North Wales Police stopped a car recently after spotting it adorned with Christmas lights. While it might have certainly looked like a festive treat, officers deemed the vehicle unsafe and a potential distraction to other drivers. Acknowledging they had to act as “a bit of a Grinch” it was necessary to ensure road safety.
The lights had been attached to the car with Sellotape, which raised multiple concerns. Firstly, they could easily fall off while driving, potentially becoming a hazard for other road users. The flashing multicoloured lights would also be a distraction to road users, particularly at night. The North Wales Police roads unit reinforced their message via a social media post, urging the public to enjoy the Christmas season responsibly.
Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that such an incident has occurred! Last Christmas, Gwent Police stopped a motorist in Newport for a similar festive-themed display. Back then, the force had to remind drivers that showing red lights at the front of a vehicle or non-red lights at the rear would not only confuse other road users but also be illegal.
So, while the festive season inspires creativity and is a time to celebrate, remember to keep your decorations at home.