A “shocking” 20 people were caught risking their lives by driving without seatbelts – during ongoing action to prevent deaths on Nottinghamshire’s roads.
Officers carried out the day of action in the Arnold and Mapperley Plains areas as part of an all-year-round drive by the force to tackle the ‘fatal four’ driving offences across Nottinghamshire.
Speeding, drink-driving, using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt are called the ‘Fatal Four’ because they are the most common reasons for deaths and serious injuries on the road.
Sergeant Mark Baker, of Nottinghamshire’s Roads Policing and Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“It was really shocking to see so many people driving around without seatbelts in this day and age.
“The dangers are really well know after decades of national campaigns.
“I think most people would be horrified to hear that some drivers are out there putting themselves and other road users at risk by this type of reckless behaviour.
“The day of action took place in one part of the Gedling borough over about six hours – so to stop 20 people without seatbelts is extremely concerning and shows why it’s important that we continue take action like this across the county throughout the year to keep road users safe.”
The multi-agency operation involved various Nottinghamshire Police teams including roads policing officers, Operation Reacher and the Gedling neighbourhood policing team.
The initiative, which was supported by Gedling Borough Council, also involved Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) staff who were on hand to check vehicles and deal with any offences.
As well as those stopped for ‘Fatal Four’ offences, motorists were also dealt with for defective tyres and illegal/defective number plates.
The DVSA issued five immediate prohibitions – taking those vehicles off the road straight away – as well as three delayed prohibitions after carrying out checks.
The proactive joint operation took place on Thursday 2 September 2021.
Sergeant Baker added: “We hope this successful operation will encourage all road users to think carefully about their driving behaviour and reassure people that the force and its partners remain committed to working together to keep our roads safe.
“It’s vital motorists drive in accordance with the law in relation to speeding, wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, ensure their vehicles are road-worthy and do not drink or drug drive.
“Reckless drivers or riders who flout the law not only put themselves at risk, but also other law-abiding road users and pedestrians.
“We’ve seen a number of fatalities and serious injuries on the county’s roads and seen first-hand the devastating impact on families and friends after losing a loved one in a way that could have been prevented.
“That’s why it’s so important drivers and riders are reminded of their responsibilities when they go out in their vehicle. The laws are there to save lives and our joint activity to crackdown on reckless and dangerous driving and to improve road safety will continue throughout Nottinghamshire.”
Councillor John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “We are very proud to support Nottinghamshire Police on operations such as this that highlights the dangers of driving without care.
“We were very pleased to welcome the police to use our car park at Arnot Hill Park. It is a busy area and families with small children visit there using the surrounding roads and pathways so to see so many drivers recklessly driving without seatbelts, speeding and using phones is very concerning and they will now face the appropriate penalties.
“I hope that it makes people driving in this way to think twice and realise that you are not only risking your life but the life of others. I would like to thank Nottinghamshire Police for making our roads safer and we look forward to working in partnership with them on operations like this in the future.”
Caroline Hicks, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) head of regulatory services and transformation, added: “DVSA’s priority is protecting everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
“This operation is a stark reminder of the shocking condition of some vehicles on the road.
“Drivers and companies have a responsibility for making sure their vehicles are in a good roadworthy condition at the start of every journey.
“We are determined to protect the public from these dangerous vehicles on Nottinghamshire’s roads alongside our partners.
“We hope this will act as a deterrent for anyone choosing to drive a vehicle in a condition which endangers lives.”
