'Shocking' numbers of driving offences despite campaign

Date: 20/10/2010

The number of drivers who have been caught breaking regulations in Dorset since the introduction of a safety campaign has been described as "shocking" by one official.

Robert Smith, Road Safety Manager for Dorset County Council, told the Bournemouth Echo he is sure most people will agree with his view.

Since being implemented in January, the No Excuse initiative has seen more police and safety camera teams out on the roads.

It has caught 15,000 people committing driving offences so far, with almost 2,500 motorists not wearing a seatbelt and 1,000 using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

Mr Smith stated the figures are shocking and "there is absolutely no excuse for this".

Earlier this month, the Yorkshire Post reported a new campaign had been launched to encourage people to wear a seatbelt on every journey.

Head of Roads Policing at South Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Stuart Walne was quoted as saying the number of people who die on the roads because they are not strapped in is unacceptable.

Posted by Sarah Bailey