Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much alcohol can I drink and still legally drive?
From Sergeant Bob Whomes “We strongly recommend that you should not consume any alcohol before driving, however the legal limit is 35 microgram’s of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.”
2. I know someone who is driving whilst disqualified or drink driving, who should I report it to?
From PS Andy Hawkins “Any drink drivers should be reported to your local police or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
3. There has been a car parked outside my house for six weeks, without tax. What can I do about it?
From Inspector Steve Davies “You can contact the police using the Single Non Emergency Number 101 or contact the DVLA on 0870 850 4444.”
4. There is a car park close to my home which is often used by large numbers of “boy racers”. What powers do the police have to deal with them?
From PC Rob Green “Legislation states, where an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a motor vehicle has been driven carelessly or elsewhere than on a road and is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public then a Section 59 Warning can be issued. Should this person commit a similar offence within 12 months then the vehicle can be seized and the driver has to pay to get the vehicle back or it will be crushed.”
5. I am a young driver, what can I do to lower the cost of my motor insurance?
From Sergeant Andy Hawkins “Any young driver wanting to lower their insurance premium can do so via Pass Plus Cymru. This is a scheme whereby drivers can obtain further training, from qualified instructors, which, when successfully completed, usually offers the driver a substantial discount on the premiums. Visit www.passplus.org.uk for more information.”
6. I am worried that my car will be seized by the police, what can I do to avoid this happening?
From Inspector Steve Davies “You can make sure that your car is taxed, insured and registered to you with the DVLA. Make sure you always drive within the law, obey speed limits and standards of driving. Keep your driving licence, insurance certificate and MOT certificate with you. The police can check if a vehicle is insured by contacting the Motor Insurance Bureau. Your car will not be seized by police as long as it is legal, driven appropriately and your insurance covers your use of the vehicle.”
7. I am a young female and often have to drive alone, sometimes at night. What can I do to stay safe?
From PC Rob Green “Female drivers can often feel unsafe when driving, especially when they are travelling alone. Here are a few simple rules to follow”
a) Make sure at least one person knows your journey details, especially what time you are due to arrive.
b) Carry your mobile phone and a hands free kit so that you can be easily contacted or to contact police in an emergency.
c) Keep an attack alarm in the glove compartment.
d) Always keep the doors locked while you are driving.
e) Avoid parking in poorly lit areas.
f) When you call for breakdown assistance – tell the operator you are a female alone.
g) If you have to wait for police or recovery, sit in the passenger seat, this gives the impression that you are not travelling alone.
h) Keep an emergency kit in the car including first aid equipment, bottled water, energy bars or snacks, a warm coat and a torch with spare batteries.