Wilmslow Neighbourhood Policing Team and Cheshire Fire Service carried out a Driver Engagement Day on Wilmslow Road yesterday. They were joined by employees from the Operational Support Unit and the Special Constabulary.
The main focus during the two and a half hour exercise was on speeding, following complaints from local residents that vehicles regularly exceed the 30 mph limit. They were also looking out for drivers using mobile phones and not wearing their seat belts.
Drivers caught speeding or using their mobile phone were given a traffic offence report which will mean that they will either have to attend a driver improvement scheme or get three points and a fine. Those drivers found not wearing their seatbelt were given the option of a fixed penalty notice or sitting through a presentation given by the fire service as to the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt.
Sgt Andy Miller said "In total 15 drivers were given speeding tickets, 4 drivers were ticketed for using a mobile phone whilst driving and 22 drivers were given the presentation by the fire service. The feedback from the drivers was quite positive.
"We have been working with Cheshire Fire Service on Driver Engagement Days for quite a few years now and have always found these operations to be extremely well received by the public and it enables us to have a bigger impact on driver safety by working together."
Martin Dowle, Community Safety Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "A highly visible road safety presence at our driver engagement days highlights the dangers drivers face on our major roads and motorways. Our unique brand and ability to engage with all groups and ages places us in an enviable position where we can make a difference by working with others with the same aims of creating a safer society.
"This multi-agency approach demonstrates partnership working at its best."
Driver Engagement Days will take place regularly, at least on a monthly basis, in the Wilmslow and Alderley Edge area.
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I said this to Sgt Andy Miller and his response was that not wearing a seat belt was more common amongst van drivers.
Agree that the statistics were a little surprising but it was only a small sample.
If you look at drivers waiting at lights or in a queue, there is usually a large number staring at their lap. No guesses what they are actually doing! Either they don't realise or don't care that this is still illegal: http://bit.ly/1j0TUdC