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STAFF REPORTER PALMA

THE two-week Christmas crackdown by Local Police in Palma has resulted in 263 people being fined for using a mobile telephone behind the wheel.
According to police sources, officers from different units made checks on 697 vehicles during the Christmas break. Controls were set up randomly, at different times of the day and night, and at varying locations.

Results showed that 37.73 percent of drivers under scrutiny were caught “red handed” driving whilst talking on a mobile - that is to say, 3 of every 10 people.

The penalty was a fine of 150 euros and the loss of 3 points from the driving license. The Road Safety department on Palma Town Council has given the culprits the chance of foregoing their fines if they are prepared to undergo a course on road safety instead. However, in order to be eligible, the driver should not have broken the highway code on more than two occasions over the last 12 months.

The course will begin with a police officer giving a talk on the need for lawbreakers to change their attitude to driving, to be more responsible and to have a thorough knowledge of the rules of the road.

A second session will take the culprits through current road accident statistics, will give a showing of videos simulating vehicle crashes, and give advice on how careful, considerate driving can avoid injury and loss of life.