This traffic action consisted of two parts: a coach and the MONOcam. With the coach, police officers drove between 09:30 and 15:30 on the A58 between Rucphen and Middelburg. During that time, they traveled from Middelburg to Etten-Leur, from Kruiningen to Middelburg, and between Bergen op Zoom and St. Willebrord. From the coach, the officers spotted drivers holding an electronic device while driving and called in one of the follow cars. The officers in these cars then pulled over the offenders and fined them. Additionally, the MONOcam was also used. This camera can detect distractions in traffic. The MONOcam shows officers immediately whether drivers are using their phones or are otherwise distracted while driving. The MONOcam was placed on the Hoekseweg N62 overpass in Hoek and on the A58 overpass at Kloetinge.
Fines
During the control, 135 fines were issued (64x where drivers were pulled over and 71x by MONOcam) for holding an electronic device while driving and 18 fines for other traffic violations including not wearing a seatbelt, overtaking over a solid line, overtaking on the right, speeding (5x), child without a seatbelt, and unnecessary left driving.
Driver Ignores Stop Sign
A driver who received a follow sign for holding a mobile device ignored it. Officers followed the car and also gave a stop sign. The driver drove on and hit a stationary car at the traffic lights on Marconilaan. The car came to a stop against a tree further down on Plantaanstraat. The driver fled the scene.
Traffic Safety and Awareness
The police conduct these actions to increase traffic safety by addressing distractions in traffic. Officers engage with offenders to make them aware of the dangers and ensure that people only use their phones once they have reached their destination.