Police launch new safety vehicle (From Witney Gazette)

Police launch new safety vehicle

6:59am Thursday 24th January 2008 in Headlines By George Hamilton

Officers who police Oxfordshire's roads have a new weapon to use in their road safety campaigns.

The Thames Valley Police road safety team has been presented with a new vehicle to use at speed traps and public exhibitions.

The van replaces an old trailer as a place where officers can talk to drivers they have stopped for speeding or not wearing a seatbelt.

Motorists caught at speed traps get the choice of a fixed penalty notice - and licence points - or a session with road safety officers about their actions.

Sgt Chris Appleby said: "Any opportunity to stop people and educate them has got to be worthwhile. It is all about raising awareness of people using their seatbelts and reducing their speeds."

The £12,000 van, which has been financed by the Thames Valley Safer Roads partnership, took to the roads for the first time on Tuesday.

advertisement Sgt Appleby said: "The vehicle has been converted to have a compartment on the back where we can invite the public in to watch DVDs and give them advice.

"Obviously, being a vehicle rather than a trailer it has the benefits of being able to be placed in locations the old unit could not have easily reached - ensuring the important road safety messages reach a wider audience.

"It is a much better vehicle. I would have thought it would be used two or three times a week."

Dave Etheridge, Oxfordshire's assistant chief fire officer, said: "This vehicle can only make a positive difference in terms of making Oxfordshire a safer place."