Current timestamp: 28/03/2023 15:05:06
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

GWENT POLICE FULL_ white

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • How to tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Blaenau Gwent road safety campaign shines headlights on vehicle safety and maintenance

Main article content

Navigation

News

12:58 08/12/2021

Officers spoke to 100 drivers in Blaenau Gwent between October – November to check their vehicles were fit for the road and share some winter maintenance advice.

 

PC Phillip Thomas said: “We’re committed to increasing road safety and have recently been talking to drivers about the steps they can take to ensure their vehicles are safe to be driven.

“Now that we’re in December, where icy roads, dark evenings and changeable driving conditions are commonplace, it’s important road users keep themselves and others safe by undertaking vital maintenance checks.”

During the campaign, officers checked the condition of tyres, headlights, external lights, fluid levels and whether drivers were wearing seatbelts.

As part of the operation, officers also gave out leaflets detailing the five main causes of casualties on UK roads: The Fatal Five*.

The most common issues officers found during their checks related to bald, or excessively worn, tyres and faulty headlights.

39 traffic offence reports (TORs) were issued throughout the campaign, including reports for driving without an MOT, driving while using a mobile phone or for using vehicles with defects.

Action was also taken against drivers using vehicles illegally.

19 vehicles were seized where drivers were found be driving without a licence or without valid insurance.

Additionally, three drivers were arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, while three were arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

PC Thomas added: “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe and fit for use on the road.

“With people visiting family and friends over the festive period, it’s important we take time to ensure the vehicle’s safe before setting off.

“Things like checking your tyre tread and pressure will make sure you’ve got enough traction and grip on icy, wet surfaces, while checking your lights not only improve your ability to see the road ahead – but also make you visible to others.

“As we approach Christmas, we’d also like to remind motorists of the dangers of driving under the influence of drink and drugs. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgement and ability to react, putting yourself and others at risk. It is never acceptable.”

For more advice on vehicle safety checks this winter, visit: https://www.think.gov.uk/campaign/vehicle-safety-checks/

-

*The fatal 5 | staying safe on the road

 

Excessive speed

Road users can ensure they keep themselves, and others, safe by checking their speedometer regularly, looking out for signs and using the appropriate gear (using third gear in a 30mph zone, for example).

Failure to wear seatbelts

It is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt in vehicles where one is fitted. The driver is also liable to prosecution if a child under 14 doesn’t wear one.

Use of a mobile phone

Drivers are advised to switch their phones off before setting off on their journeys. If caught using a mobile device while driving, you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice and receive a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The penalties for drink/drug driving are the same. You can receive a 21-month driving ban, an unlimited fine and a prison sentence. The legal limits can be found on gov.uk, but we recommend that, if you're drinking alcohol, let someone else do the driving.

Careless/inconsiderate driving

Drivers should remain considerate and keep their concentration at all times.

Examples of dangerous driving include:

  • driving too close to the vehicle in front
  • driving at a speed not suited to the road and conditions
  • using a sat-nav while driving
  • undertaking or overtaking dangerously.

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Gwent Police

  • Contact us
  • Find a police station
  • Join us
  • About us
  • News
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookies
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention advice
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Language

  • Cymraeg

Follow us on

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.