Editor's choice Dec/Jan 2009/10

OFFICERS ON A DRIVE TO REDUCE MOTORING OFFENCES

A police crackdown on drivers breaking the law in Balsall Heath, Sparkhill and Sparkbrook has been hailed a success by both officers and members of the local community.

Officers held four enforcement days targeting motorists flouting the law leading to 27 cars being seized and their drivers facing prosecution for driving without insurance. One man driving without a seatbelt whose registration plate was recognised by eagle-eyed police was pulled over and a substantial amount of cash found in the boot.

A total of 79 drivers were fined for failing to wear a seatbelt while a further 8 were hit in the pocket for talking on their mobile phones at the wheel.

Four were caught heading along bus lanes and 24 were pulled over for parking offences. Thirteen drivers were stopped for having blacked out ‘tints’ on their windows and ordered to remove them on the spot while 5 were pulled over for having illegal plates. The crackdown also led to 3 private hire vehicles being suspended due to their dangerous vehicles.

The police blitz was a direct result of community meetings where residents, schools and traders complained of the growing chaos in Sparkbrook and Sparkhill.

Acting Police Sergeant Jason Elliman, of the Sparkbrook Neighbourhood Team, said: “The days were very successful, but drivers should be aware that we will continue to respond to the concerns raised by our local communities.”

“The message we keep getting is that people who live and work here have had enough of it, so we are acting and will continue to do so until the message hits home.”

Sparkhill, Sparkbrook and the Stratford Road were identified by the DVLA as being among the worst areas in the city for vehicles failing to display tax discs and not having insurance.

Officers have since noticed an increase in the number of drivers abiding by the law. “That’s fine as far as we are concerned. We’d much rather people used seat belts and parked sensibly than have to stop them,” said APS Elliman.