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Speeding in built-up areas is the most common traffic violation by Czech drivers, accounting for 25 percent of all traffic violations, according to a report by the Czech Interior Ministry released on Sunday. It is followed by disrespecting traffic signs and failure to fasten seat belts or wear helmets. Other frequent violations include driving without headlights on and making phone calls while driving. Since July 2006, where a points system was introduced in the Czech Republic, some 26,000 drivers lost their licences because of traffic violations. Most drivers who scored 12 or more points are 21-years-old and younger.

Defending champions Sparta Prague lost to newcomers Hradec Králové in the first round of the top Czech football division on Saturday. Visitors Sparta conceded an early goal and only managed to equalize in the 55th minute. The hosts Hradec Králové were defending throughout much of the second half but surprisingly took a 2:1 with half an hour to go. The goal upset the title holders who were unable to come back; the game was Sparta’s first defeat in 15 months, and only third season opening loss in 17 years.

The region of Western Bohemia was hit by a strong windstorm in the early hours of Saturday that broke trees and left some 4,000 households without electricity, the authorities said. One person was killed by a falling tree near Karlovy Vary on Saturday afternoon. The energy producer ČEZ said around half of its customers in the area were cut off, and declared state of emergency in three districts. Falling trees also obstructed roads and railways. The authorities said that several houses were flooded by rainwater but no one was injured in the storm.

The new Czech finance minister, Miroslav Kalousek, told the daily Právo on Saturday he would remove tax breaks on mortgages. The change should be included in a new tax bill that should enter into force in two years’ time. Mr Kalousek said he saw no reason why socially challenged people, who cannot afford mortgages anyway, should contribute to mortgages of people with higher income. Under the current legal arrangement, people can add mortgages to their tax base, and pay lower taxes as a result. The new centre-right government had announced earlier it also wanted to lower state incentives for individual building saving accounts.