Police stopped 50 drivers on the A34 this morning (Thursday, December 11) as part of a crackdown on the dangerous and criminal use of goods vehicles.
Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit carried out the stop-check at the Sutton Scotney services near Winchester. They were joined by Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP and Chief Constable Alex Marshall.
They discovered 39 defects ranging from brakes and tyres to overloaded vehicles and drivers failing to get enough rest.
All defects are recorded and drivers can be given either immediate prohibitions, forcing them to address the issue on the spot, or delayed prohibitions for less serious defects.
The stop-check formed part of Operation Mermaid, an ongoing national campaign which focuses on vehicles and drivers that may be:
- unroadworthy or failing to comply with the regulations for its use
- failing to comply with European Union drivers’ hours regulations
- involved in criminal activity
- carrying undeclared hazardous or dangerous materials
- unlicensed, untaxed or uninsured
Inspector Roger Petherbridge from the Roads Policing Unit at Whitchurch said: “We target a wide range of goods vehicles. While the majority are used legitimately, we know some can be involved in a range of criminal activities from transporting stolen goods and bogus workmen to drugs smuggling, people trafficking and even terrorism.
“There’s also an emphasis on making sure these vehicles are driven safely and comply with their regulations for use. Those that don’t can make the roads dangerous.
“Too many collisions are caused by defective vehicles. Overweight lorries, for example, may find it difficult to brake in time.
“We’re also seeing too many lorry drivers are taking risks by not getting enough sleep. The rules, which apply across Europe, state that if you’ve been driving for four and a half hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes immediately. If you don’t, you’re putting yourself and others at risk.
“With the Christmas Drink Drive campaign well underway, we also considered breathalysing everyone we stopped.”
Representatives of the government’s Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) were also on hand to carry out vehicle examinations, weighing and document checks.
Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP said: “Operation Mermaid is a great example of how VOSA and the police are working together to combat illegal and unsafe HGVs. I am delighted to be joining Hampshire Constabulary today to see them carrying out this vital work.
“Illegal and unscrupulous hauliers put other road users at risk and we are determined to put a stop to this potentially dangerous behaviour. That’s why we have more than doubled enforcement against dangerous HGVs and committed an extra £24 million to enable VOSA to step up enforcement again. In addition, next year will see VOSA and the police gain new powers to issue on the spot fines to HGV drivers caught breaking the law, and immobilise their vehicles if necessary.
“VOSA and the police are undertaking more checks on more vehicles 24 hours a day making our roads safer for everyone as well as helping to level the playing field for law abiding operators who suffer from this unfair competition.”
