Speeding

Excessive and inappropriate speeding is one of the main contributors to avoidable collisions that result in death or serious injury.

Speeding is an emotive issue for many Cambridgeshire residents and is among the most popular problems to be set as a priority for local policing teams.

The force conducts daily speed checks across the county as well as enforcing fixed and average speed cameras.

The law

Anyone caught speeding could be issued a FPN, resulting in a £60 fine and three points on their licence. More serious cases may be referred to the courts.

Vehicle	Urban road	Single carriageway	Dual carriageway	Motorway
Motorbike	30	60	70	70
Car	30	60	70	70
Caravan	30	50	60	60
Mini bus	30	50	60	70
Vans	30	50	60	70
Goods vehicle under 7.5T	30	50	60	70
Goods vehicle over 7.5T	30	40	50	60
Buses/coaches	30	50	60	70

If drawing a trailer these limits may be reduced for more details visit - www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070190

A seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death, yet last year (2008) more than 2000 people were issued Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for failing to wear a seatbelt.

Putting on your seatbelt should be part of your routine before even starting your car and drivers should be responsible for ensuring all passengers wear their seatbelts.

The law

• It is illegal not to wear a seatbelt when travelling in a car or goods vehicle and it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure all passengers under the age of 14 are wearing a seatbelt or child restraint.
• Seatbelts should be worn in any vehicle they are provided in, including buses and goods vehicles.
• Anyone caught not wearing a seatbelt could be issued with a £60 FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice).

Mobile phones

Last year (2008) more than 2000 drivers were caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

It only takes a few seconds distraction from a mobile to cause a collision, which can have fatal consequences.

Roads can be a dangerous place when the law is not respected and adhered to. If we are to reduce the number of fatalities and casualties on the county’s roads it is vital people comply with the law.

The law

Anyone caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving could be issued with a £60 (Fixed Penalty Notice) and three points on their licence.

Driving under the influence

Drink and drug driving enforcement is a vital tool in the reduction of fatal and injury collisions.

Our message to those who drive under the influence is clear – expect to be caught and brought to justice.

Drink and drug drivers are not only putting their own lives at risk but also the lives of others.

The law

What can happen if you are caught driving under the influence?

• a maximum of six months imprisonment.
• a fine of up to £5,000.
• loss of your licence for a minimum of one year.
• a criminal record.

What is the drink drive limit?

The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood and 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.

What should you do if you suspect someone is driving under the influence?

Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

How much am I safe to drink?

It is impossible to calculate exactly how much a person can drink before being over the limit as it depends on the individual.

The safest thing to do is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive.

What happens to a person’s driving ability when they drive over the limit?

Alcohol distorts your ability to judge speed and distances as well as increasing reaction times.

What is the Field Impairment Test?

The Field Impairment Test is a test made up of five exercises to establish whether a person driving is under the influence of drugs. The exercises include pupil examinations as well as co-ordination tasks.