Drivers using mobile phones given on-the-spot fines (From Community Newsgroup)

Drivers using mobile phones given on-the-spot fines

4:40pm Wednesday 15th October 2008

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ON-the-spot fines and licence points were dished out to motorists stopped in a recent vehicle check day on Altrincham Road, Wilmslow.

Drivers using mobile phones at the wheel and not wearing seatbelts received on-the-spot fines and points on their licences, while vans and taxis were ordered off the road when defects and licence infringements were uncovered.

Insp Luke McDonnell, of Wilmslow Police, said: "It's alarming that people continue to drive with mobiles in hands and not wearing seatbelts, as though the law doesn't apply to them.”

Five vehicles were ordered off the road and a further nine motorists were given warnings about faults in their vehicles which included bald or defective tyres, and brakes and lights not working properly.

Fifteen taxi and private hire vehicle drivers were stopped and council staff ordered some off the road for not displaying licence plates, a roof sign or having a fire extinguisher.

The owner of a van using illegal red diesel was fined £500 by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs officers, and council staff checked if drivers and passengers of trade or business vehicles were claiming benefits.

Lisa Quinn from the council said: "We've not set out to catch people but, with help from the police and Government departments, our checks ensure the roads are safe for all users."

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