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Police begin roadside vision tests as nights draw in

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Suffolk drivers could have their licenses revoked on the spot if they fail roadside vision tests, which are being conducted as part of a winter safety campaign launching today.

The big picture: Officers are conducting voluntary roadside screenings in which drivers must read a number plate from 20m away, as research shows that 90% of the information used while driving is visual.

The vision tests are part of a broader two-week road safety initiative focusing on protecting vulnerable road users during darker evenings.

Looking through glasses while driving
Drivers failing to meet required eyesight standards face potential fines, penalty points, or even immediate licence revocationCeri BreezeGetty Images

Why it matters: Under Cassie's Law, police can immediately revoke the licence of any driver failing these tests if they're deemed unsafe to be on the road.

  • The law is named after Cassie McCord, a 16-year-old killed by an elderly driver who had failed an eyesight test but refused to surrender his licence.

  • All tests are conducted in daylight conditions.

  • Drivers can use their usual eyewear during testing.

What they're saying: "As a responsible driver, it is key you monitor your eye health to ensure there is no impact on your ability to safely drive, both in daylight and darkness, seeking the advice of an optician if you notice any change/deterioration in your sight," said Chief Inspector Vicky McParland.

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: "Now that the clocks have gone back, I would urge everyone to take a little more care and for drivers to make sure both you and your vehicle are fit for winter conditions."

The bottom line: Drivers failing to meet required eyesight standards face potential fines, penalty points, or even immediate licence revocation, so wear your glasses or, if you struggle to read a number plate from 20m away, get your eyes tested.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Albanian drug dealer jailed after hiding cocaine in underwear

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Attwells Solicitors

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An Albanian man who concealed cocaine in his underwear and presented a fake driving licence to police has been jailed for 38 months.

Why it matters: The arrest led to the discovery of more than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine at an Ipswich address. Regi Salillari, 28, from Albania, was stopped by officers from the West Area Sentinel team on 29 January while driving in Thorney Way, Stowmarket.

Albanian drug dealer Regi Salillari
Albanian drug dealer Regi SalillariSuffolk Constabulary

The details: When approached by police, Salillari attempted to deceive officers by producing a counterfeit Italian driving licence.

Officers searched him and found:

  • Four bags of cocaine hidden in his underwear

  • More than £500 in cash

Following his arrest, a search of an address in Ipswich uncovered:

  • More than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine

  • Over £1,000 in cash

Cash and cocaine was seized by police
Cash and cocaine was seized by policeSuffolk Constabulary

In court: Salillari appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on 26 March, where he pleaded guilty to:

  • Possession with intent to supply cocaine

  • Driving with no insurance

  • Possessing a fraudulent document with intent to deceive

What they're saying: PC Harry Tully from the West Sentinel team said: "Salillari came to Stowmarket with the sole intention of supplying Class A drugs in the town. When intercepted by officers he attempted to deceive them by proving false details and producing fake documents which he had clearly gone to some lengths to obtain."

"Fortunately, the tenacious officers quickly saw past this elaborate ruse and he was arrested. We will continue to proactively target those involved in organised crime wherever they might be in our county."

The bottom line: Salillari now begins a 38-month prison term, as Suffolk authorities maintain their stance of significant custodial sentences for Class A drug dealers operating in the county.

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