60+ drivers found without seatbelt during partnership operation

A partnership operation led by Essex Police in Colchester recently saw 66 drivers caught without wearing a seatbelt.

The one-day operation was part of efforts to help reduce the number of killed and seriously injured on the county’s roads through a combination of engagement and enforcement.

Essex Police were joined by partners from the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, Essex Community Partnership, Active Citizens, DVLA, HMRC and Transport For London.

In addition to those not wearing a seatbelt, 19 drivers were apprehended for driving in excess of the speed limit and 12 found to be driving while using their mobile phone.

The speeding offences were detected as part of a ‘School Speed Watch’ carried out on the same day. 16 drivers engaged with the students involved in the initiative, two were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices and one was referred to court for driving at 62mph in a 30mph limit.

Six drivers were found to be driving without valid insurance, with each having their car seized under Section 165. A further five drivers were found to be driving without a valid MOT and one driver was found to be driving without a valid licence.

Five drivers were dealt with for having vehicle defects and a further two drivers were dealt with for driving their vehicle in a dangerous condition. One driver was dealt with for not being in proper control of the vehicle.

Matt Hine, operational tasking supervisor at Essex Police Casualty Reduction Unit, said:

“Working closely with our partners enables us to target those using the roads illegally.

“Each partner brings their own expertise to help make Essex roads safer through enforcement as well as education to drivers on the dangers of driving illegally.”

11 August 2017