Over 600 detected for motoring offences

Over 600 people have been detected for motoring offences during a recent crackdown aimed at saving lives, new figures released today reveal.

Operation Roadsafe, which ran between July 28 and July 30, in the Greater Belfast area, was a police operation aimed at targeting people who drink and drive, speed, use mobile phones while driving, fail to wear seatbelts or who drive without care and attention.

Officers from Roads Policing Command Units were supported by local police in District Command Units throughout the Urban Region.

During the campaign 115 drivers were detected for careless driving, 19 for drink/drug driving, 157 for excess speed, 86 for seatbelt offences, 15 for driving without insurance, five for driving whilst disqualified, one for dangerous driving and 205 for other offences.

Chief Superintendent Wesley Wilson, head of the Operational Command Unit in Urban Region, said: "Operation Roadsafe is about saving lives and reducing serious injuries. Motorists must abide by the rules of the road, heed speed limits, wear seat belts, and drive with due care and consideration for other road users. If they do not they are not only putting their own lives at risk but seriously endangering the lives of other motorists."

He continued: "So far this year 75 people have died on the roads which is down 24 on the same period two years ago, however, make no mistake - this is still 75 too many. The Police Service remains committed to tackling the issue of road safety through both education and enforcement and we make no apology for that."

(EF)