FOI 915/26

REQUEST

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting data regarding the enforcement of vehicle lighting offences, specifically focusing on non-compliant, aftermarket, or dazzling headlamps (e.g., retrofitted LED or HID bulbs in halogen housings).

Please could you provide the following information for the last six calendar years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024) broken down by year:

1. The total number of Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for the following specific CJS offence code:

o          RL89171: Use a motor vehicle on a road where the aim of the headlamp beam was used to cause undue dazzle / discomfort.

2. If your electronic recording system allows for a keyword search within the free-text "officer notes" or "offence particulars" field without exceeding the Section 12 cost limit, please provide the number of the above offences (or general lighting offences) where the officer notes contain any of the following keywords:

o          "LED"

o          "HID"

o          "Xenon"

o          "Aftermarket"

o          "Retrofit"

3. The total number of Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) notices or PG9 Prohibition notices issued specifically for non-compliant front headlamps.

RESPONSE

We have consulted with our Motoring Unit and Specialist Operations Department who have provided the following information in relation to your request. 

Question 1

0

Question 2

Not applicable

Question 3

South Wales Police do not use the Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme.

South Wales Police utilise the PG9 Prohibition process. It is not possible to ascertain whether a PG9 Prohibition has been issued for non compliant headlamps. The reason for this is that often the issue is fixed at the location that the vehicle has been prohibited within a short time and no electronic record is then generated. For other incidents the detail is recorded on PNC until the prohibition is lifted (usually when the defect is repaired and the vehicle has been examined).