Roadside police checks increase in south-western French department

Roadside police checks are being stepped up in Gironde, south-west France, on orders from the prefecture after a recent rise in road accidents and fatalities.

At least five people died in road accidents between April 13 - 18, including a 17-year old. There have been several other deaths and accidents since the start of the year.

The figures led Gironde and Nouvelle-Aquitaine prefect Étienne Guyot to order heightened police checks throughout last weekend to coincide with people returning from spring holidays.

These roadside checks from police and gendarme took place across the department and particularly on busy roads near accident hotspots. 

Checks resulted in: 

• 265 offences recorded, including 95 speeding violations. This comes on top of 188 speeding offences detected by automated speed cameras during the weekend

• 33 cases of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• 34 driving licences suspended

• 44 vehicles impounded

• 13 vehicles towed to the pound

In addition, an aggravated refusal to comply with a police order was recorded in Marcheprime, leading to an ongoing investigation.

It comes after other departments in south-west France including Gers launched heightened roadside check campaigns in recent months.

More checks to come

“This trend is intolerable. Such behaviour endangers the lives of others and must be severely punished. Checks will be maintained and intensified in the coming days, with zero tolerance,” said Mr Guyot following the weekend checks. 

The prefecture has not announced exact details on how and when these checks will take place, but drivers should ensure they comply with all rules and regulations when behind the wheel. 

You can read our article on your rights if pulled over for a roadside check – and what you should do to comply – here.