130 vehicles stopped during lockdown check
POLICE stopped 130 vehicles from crossing over a bridge linking Swansea and Llanelli in just a single afternoon.
Officers from DyfedPowys set up a checkpoint on Loughor Bridge on Thursday, before telling motorists to pull over.
Drivers were then questioned about their journeys during the operation, which also involved the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Swansea and Llanelli were in local lockdown rules, meaning that residents should not leave the areas unless their journey
is essential.
The force said that out of 130 cars, officers” issued a number of drivers with advice” on lockdown rules and journeys as well as: ■ 11 driver warnings ■ Four vehicles seized after drivers were caught without insurance or licenses
13 “other” motoring offences reported for summons
Two vehicles not having an MOT
Two prohibition notices for unfit vehicles
And one vehicle issued advice regarding waste carriers licence
The figures came to light just a few hours before Wales was set to enter a 17-day national “firebreak” lockdown
The new regulations see
all “non essential” businesses closed and people told to stay home in an effort to halt a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
Police forces around Wales have warned that additional patrols and roadside checkpoints will be in force during the new lockdown.
The Welsh Government has published a a list of acceptable reasons for leaving your home and people not complying with the new regulations could face fines.
According to the latest figures, Dyfed-powys Police issued 1,731 fines during the first lockdown period and is 87 times more likely to hand out coronavirus fines than any other police force in the UK.