Road Safety Impact Day
Almost a week since the penalties regarding using of a mobile phone behind the wheel have changed motorists were caught using their phones whilst driving during a road safety operation held yesterday (Tuesday, March 7th).
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit used unmarked police vehicles during the Roads Safety Impact Day with teams covering the Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy and Anglesey areas.
A HGV carrying scrap metal was stopped on the A55 on Anglesey after he was spotted talking on his phone whilst driving.
A van driver was caught on his phone whilst on the A525 in Rhuddlan.
A woman was stopped in Caernarfon after she was caught using her phone and another driver was caught using their phone whilst on the A55 at Bodelwyddan.
All four drivers were issued with TORs (Traffic Offence Report tickets) and will now face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.
During the day officers also dealt with seatbelt offences and speeding. One motorist was caught travelling 91mph on the A55 at Llanddulas and another was caught driving at 68mph in a 50 zone on the A494 at Aston Hill.
Officers also seized a car on the A548 Chester Road in Oakenholt after the driver was found to be driving without insurance.
Sergeant Nicola Grimes-Williams from the Roads Policing Unit said: “In one way it was pleasing that only four tickets were given to motorists who were caught using their phone – this shows that the majority are complying with the law.
“However despite several high-profile campaigns and the government increasing the fine if you are caught, we know that a minority continue to drive whilst using a phone which is worrying, especially when HGV drivers are being caught using a phone behind the wheel.
“It is illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. Using hands free is not illegal however, if this distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted.”
On March 1st the penalty for using a phone increased to a £200 fine and six penalty points and over the last week several motorists have been caught.
Sgt Grimes-Williams added: “The impact day was done as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the roads safe for all. Further similar operations will be held in the near future and we will continue to take action against drivers who commit offences on our roads.”
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