Road safety op carried out as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week

A road safety operation held as part of National Neighbourhood Policing Week uncovered a number of offences and vehicle defects.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit stopped and spoke to several motorists in the Gaerwen, Bangor, Denbigh and Ruthin areas yesterday (Monday) as part of their continued efforts to keep the road safe.

During the day officers uncovered a number of offences including:

• Defective tyres
• Drivers not wearing seatbelts
• Insecure loads
• Defective lights
• No number plates
• Illegal number plates
• No driving licence
• Driving at excess speed
• Window tint offences
• No MOT
• Driving whilst using a mobile phone

PC Arfon Williams of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Throughout the year we continually engage with all road users to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads. Our priority is to keep people safe on the road network.

“The vast majority of motorists are safe and competent road users, and it’s imperative that we target those who compromise road safety, and deal with them robustly.

“Yesterday’s results speak for themselves. It’s shocking that a minority are still driving with insecure loads, defective tyres and using mobile phones behind the wheel.

“Far too often we see the devastating and life changing impact of serious and fatal road traffic collisions. Lives are changed in an instant because of a wrong decision, or a moment’s inattention as a road user. As drivers we all have a part to play in making our roads safer for everyone.

He added: “Every day, officers across various departments, from the Roads Policing Unit to our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Special Constabulary undertake prevention and intervention activities on our roads. This is in addition to routine roads policing 365 days a year. Checks like these will continue to make the roads of North Wales even safer.”

PC Llinos Jones from the Dolgellau Neighbourhood Policing Team is on attachment with the Roads Policing Unit and was involved in yesterday’s operation. She said: “Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the region regularly respond to community concerns regarding road safety. Carrying out this type of operation, along with our colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit, demonstrates our commitment that we are listening and that we are determined to safeguard all road users. By continuing to work together we can ensure that North Wales continues to be a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Officers are continuing to urge all drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to carry out the necessary checks on tyres and lights before commencing on their journey.

North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are speeding, drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, failing to wear a seat belt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

If you have concerns or information regarding individuals who are believed to be committing a ‘Fatal 5’ offence whilst driving, please contact officers via the website, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Social media users are encouraged to follow the #fatal5 hashtag.