Over 100 Vehicles stopped during multi-agency operation

More than 100 vehicles were checked on the A5 at Nesscliffe, between Shrewsbury and Oswestry, during the six-hour operation.

Various offences were detected and sanctions imposed by the agencies taking part.

It was the latest in a series of similar multi-agency checks on main roads in the county as part of Operation Mermaid, the national initiative aimed at disrupting criminals and targeting commercial and other vehicles found to be unroadworthy or not complying with legislation.

Nine police officers and two police community support officers were joined by staff from HM Revenue & Customs road fuel testing unit, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Shropshire Council’s Trading Standards and Animal Welfare departments.

Among the vehicles checked were works vans, agricultural operators and lorries.

Police Constable Nik Stafford, who organised the operation, said: “The overall feeling from the drivers stopped, was one of support and understanding. They recognised our purpose is to improve road safety for all, to reduce collision casualties and to target travelling criminals.”

Actions taken included the seizing of one vehicle for no insurance and an expired licence, defect rectification forms were issued to two drivers for vehicle offences and several drivers received penalty notices for mobile phone and speeding offences. Verbal warnings were given to a further 22 drivers for vehicle-related offences including excessive tint on window glass, poor tyres, load security and number plate issues.

HM Revenue & Customs dealt with three vehicles for using red diesel – two drivers paid up on the spot and one vehicle was impounded. VOSA issued seven prohibition notices for various defects, preventing the vehicle being driven until the fault is rectified.

Animal Welfare checked around 20 vehicles and Trading Standards spoke to numerous van drivers about rogue trading matters. One food delivery vehicle was found to be storing food in an inadequate manner.

A number of foreign lorries were also stopped and checked, including vehicles from Holland, Romania, Hungary and the Irish Republic.

PC Stafford added: “We will continue to run similar multi-agency checks on main roads in the county every month or so. These operations highlight the work being done by the police and our partners on a daily basis.

“Working alongside staff from other agencies, we will continue to target defective vehicles and those who flout the law and compromise road safety. Also, we are all too aware that criminals use the road network and are committed to causing them maximum disruption by using the full force of legislation.”