Options in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council road safety team, in joint partnership with South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, recently completed their final 'Options' operation for the year.
Operations were conducted throughout the year across the borough and a total of 633 people received a poignant reminder of the importance of wearing a seatbelt; not only for themselves but for other people they share a vehicle with.
By opting to receive an educational input from the fire and rescue service, the vast majority of those stopped did not receive a fine of £100 for failing to wear a seatbelt. However, Traffic Offence Reports and fines were issued for sitting on plugged-in seatbelts, driving without insurance, driving with bald tyres and a number of other road traffic offences.
Matt Penny from Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s road safety team said: “The vast majority of people buckle up when they’re in a vehicle, but a small number of people are still making the risky decision to not wear a seatbelt. It’s hoped that by educating these people of the disastrous consequences failing to wear a seatbelt can have, we can change the attitude of some people and hopefully save someone’s life as a result.
"Nobody ever thinks they will be victim of a road traffic collision, but becoming complacent could prove to be fatal. Based on the feedback we’ve had from members of the public we have dealt with, many have said they found it had a positive impact on their driving attitude going forward.”
Traffic Offence Report’s issued: 28
Vehicles Seized for no insurance: 11