A routine traffic stop in Chippenham has resulted in two arrests after police discovered an alarming series of safety violations involving a learner driver and their supervisor.
Traffic Offences Uncovered
Wiltshire Police stopped the vehicle and quickly found multiple serious issues, including:
- Drink driving – The learner driver provided a breath test reading of 99, while their supervisor also tested positive at 90 (well over the legal limit of 35).
- Bald tyres – Three tyres were dangerously worn, with two showing exposed cord, posing a major safety risk.
- Defective lights – The car was found to have faulty or missing lights, making it unroadworthy.
- No insurance – The vehicle was not insured, meaning it should never have been on the road.
Police Action
Officers arrested both the learner driver and their supervisor at the scene, and a PG9 prohibition notice was issued, immediately banning the car from being driven.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson described the stop as a “how not to do it” example for learner drivers, emphasizing the serious dangers posed by unroadworthy vehicles and drink driving.
Consequences & Legal Action
Both individuals have been taken into police custody, and charges are expected to follow. Potential offences include:
- Drink driving
- Driving without insurance
- Operating a vehicle in a dangerous condition
- Failure to maintain roadworthy tyres
Police are urging all drivers, particularly learners and their supervisors, to act responsibly and ensure their vehicles are safe and legal before taking to the road.
Public Safety Reminder
Wiltshire Police remind all motorists that:
✅ Supervisors of learner drivers must be sober
✅ Vehicles must be roadworthy with legal tyres
✅ Insurance is mandatory for all drivers
Anyone caught breaking the law can expect severe penalties, including fines, driving bans, and potential imprisonment.
