Newtown's Seatbelt Checkpoints Net Cell Phone Users, Too

Two Newtown police checkpoints last Thursday morning were designed to enforce safety belt laws as part of the national "Click It Or Ticket" program. But they also stopped -- and ticketed -- nearly as many motorists for cell phone use.

According to a report from the Newtown Police Department, police issued 16 citations for seatbelt violations and 15 for cell phone use. They also issued two citations for unspecified "other traffic enforcement."

Police established the checkpoints at Route 34 and Lone Oak Meadows and at Route 25 near Sand Hill plaza, from 7 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 23. According to police, May 20 through June 2 is part of a national "Click It or Ticket" mobilization period. Newtown partnered with Bethel, Brookfield, Redding and Ridgefield for the regional portion of the campaign.