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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Road Safety, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. South Down Neighbourhood Team have been on duty all weekend and have seized 4 cars for motoring offences across South Down.
In Kilkeel a driver was detected driving whilst disqualified and therefore had no insurance - his car was seized and he will be reported for the offences. In Newcastle one of the neighbourhood crews identified a Motabality car being used outside the terms of the contract by a driver who wasn't supposed to be using it. That driver will be reported for various motoring offences and we seized the car for collection by Motability. A car made off from Officers in Kilkeel but was apprehended a short time later - the driver had no licence and no insurance and will be reported for these offences. In Newcastle a 4th driver was detected driving without insurance. All 4 cars were seized, one driver didn't want their car back, Motability will collect their car and the other two will only be released when teh owner produces valid insurance and drivign documents and pays teh reciovery fee.
![]() Be safe and alert when driving It is important to stay safe and alert while on the road - you want to avoid all of the emergencies you just planned for. - Do not stop if someone tries to flag you down.
- Never pick up hitchhikers - only give lifts to people you know well.
- Keep your mobile out of sight and do not use it while driving.
- Be aware and cautious of tailgaters or aggressive drivers
- If you are forced to stop, keep your engine running and make sure you have enough room to drive away.
- If a driver gets out and approaches you, flash your lights and sound your horn. If you have an alarm, set it off.
- Keep doors locked and handbags and valuables out of view.
- If you need air, only wind your window down a little so nobody can reach in while you are stopped in traffic.
Where is the safest place to park my vehicle? There are lots of ways to keep yourself safe when parking your vehicle. - Look for a secured car park. Choose a car park that is supervised and has restricted entry and exit points along with CCTV cameras.
- Remember if you are parking in daylight things will look different at night. If you are leaving your vehicle on a main road, to ensure your safety when you return, always park in a busy, well-lit area.
- Always have your keys ready when you are coming back to your car.
- Take a look inside before you get in and make sure there is no-one there.
What should I do if my vehicle breaks down? It can be a frightening experience if your car breaks down on the motorway or at night. Try to stay calm and remember these tips. - Call for help on an emergency phone or mobile.
- If you are alone, tell the emergency services this.
- Return to the car but stay on the verge or bank.
- Lock all doors except the passenger door nearest to you.
- If someone pulls up, get into the car, lock the doors and speak through a slightly open window.
- If you are lost then it is safer to make your way to the nearest busy area and work out where you are going from there.
- Do not accept help from strangers.
- Remember that you should only stop on the hard shoulder in an emergency.
If you need to report a crime to us or if you have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.psni.police.uk/ or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
For further information regarding this issue, please refer to our website. | 
