Brighten the Corners
Proud supporters of independent local journalism in Ipswich
Just 11 out of 101 vehicles checked during a major police operation in Ipswich on Tuesday were free from offences, showing widespread flouting of road safety laws.
The big picture: Police issued more than 100 traffic violation reports during the day-long operation at Sainsbury's car park on Hadleigh Road, with offences ranging from dangerous tyres to illegal exhausts.
By the numbers:
90 vehicles found with violations
24 drivers not wearing seatbelts
17 illegal window tints
10 caught using mobile phones
7 overweight loads
5 vehicles seized
5 people arrested for immigration offences
Why it matters: The operation revealed an alarming number of unsafe vehicles in a single confined area, with police finding three vehicles in a dangerous condition.
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) took immediate action by:
Ordering 7 vehicles off the road immediately
Issuing 6 delayed prohibitions
Giving 27 advisory notices
What they're saying: "It is important for people to realise that road safety is everyone's responsibility – an unroadworthy vehicle can be the cause of a serious collision, as can a driver using a mobile phone, or someone not wearing a seatbelt," said Sgt Julian Ditcham from Roads Policing.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "It really does amaze me how many drivers set off in defective vehicles or prepared to risk their lives, and the lives of others."
The bottom line: The multi-agency operation, which also caught a driver doing 51mph in a 30mph zone, will continue as part of efforts to improve road safety in Suffolk.
View upcoming gigs in Ipswich
Events from Brighten The Corners Presents and other promoters across The Baths, St Stephen’s Church and The Smokehouse venues.