A local Road Policing Unit (RPU) officer in St Leonards recently stopped a motorbike rider for reckless driving and excessive noise coming from his exhaust. The officer had been following the motorbike for some time before activating his Body Worn Video (BWV) and signaling for the rider to pull over using blue lights and sirens.
The rider was subsequently booked for driving without due care and attention and issued with a Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) notice for the exhaust. The VDRS is a scheme used by police to deal with defects such as cracked lights, blown bulbs, worn tires or illegal number plates. It may be used alone or together with a fixed penalty notice.
The VDRS gives the offender an opportunity to avoid prosecution by getting the defects fixed and examined. Under the scheme, the offender must get any police-noted defect fixed as soon as possible and provide suitable evidence within 14 days that it has been done. Failure to provide evidence may result in prosecution, points on the offender’s license, and a fine.
The police use of the VDRS is voluntary, but it serves as a reminder to all motorbike riders to ride responsibly and safely. As demonstrated in this incident, riders never know when an unmarked vehicle may be following them. It is essential to ensure that motorbikes are well-maintained and roadworthy to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the roads.
