DRIVERS were surprised on Friday afternoon when the local police were pulling over taxis and the occasional other vehicle - but they were not searching for anything particularly interesting, it was a fairly routine check of the vehicles and the start of their seasonal drink-driving checks. 

Officers from Crediton Police Station were joined by licensing officers from Mid Devon District  Council to give the taxis the once-over.

Tom Keating, lead licensing officer for the district council, said they were checking the hackney carriage vehicles (which can be hailed or wait at a taxi rank) and the private hire cars which need to be pre-booked.

Altogether there were 111 licensed taxis in the area. This was the first check this season, more could follow in other places. 

With Tom was licensing officer Jackie Taylor who added that the taxis need to have a comprehensive safety check every six months.

Tom said they have occasionally found a vehicle with poor tyres, but the six month check was a key part of making sure this does not happen.

Sgt David MacFadden said the joint road safety awareness operation coincided with the Forcewide anti-drink and drug campaign. 

He said: “We carried out this operation in Crediton and Cullompton that evening and stopped more than 40 vehicles, breath tested approximately 30 of those drivers who all tested positive. 

“This was a great result and everyone we stopped commented to me that they were pleased we were carrying out this type of operation. Hopefully the message is getting through to all about not driving your car when under the influence regardless of how much you have drunk or taken.

“There was, however, one downside to the operation. In both towns during those stops and vehicles that passed us by I saw at least 20-plus vehicle in each town with defective lights. 

“Every vehicle that we stopped with a defective light was given words of advice about the offence they were committing and asked to make sure they fixed the defect first thing then next day. “Again, the motorists that we spoke to and educated around this matter were pleased with not receiving a ticket and happy to take on board the advice given. 

“I would urge all motorists that it is imperative that they check all their lights are working and without defect. We now have long wintery and dark nights ahead of us. 

“Please make sure you are not the one who causes a serious accident because you couldn’t be bothered to check your lights or replace a broken bulb. 

“We will be carrying out future operations like this one over the next few weeks. At some stage we will have to move away from the education and start to carry out enforcement by way of penalty tickets. 

“You have been warned!,” said the Sergeant.  

He added that he thanks all those motorists who were stopped for their patience and understanding. 

He added: “I wish all your readers and our communities a happy Christmas and all the best in the new year.” 

Sue Read