One arrest and over 50 vehicles stopped during multi-agency day of action

One person was arrested, more than 50 vehicles were stopped and over 50 Traffic Offence Reports were issued, during a multi-agency day of action in Haverhill last week.

The operation took place on Tuesday, June 17, with the aim of disrupting and frustrating the activities of criminals, including organised crime groups, who commit offences across county borders whilst using the road network.

This was intelligence-led and involved vehicles identified as being potentially involved in criminality being brought back to a check site next to the A143 at the Meadows Car Park, where police and partner agencies conducted checks of the vehicles and occupants.

Officers are also focused on all-round road safety and the fatal four offences of: drink/drug driving, driving whilst using a mobile phone, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt.

Anyone suspected of committing any of these offences was also stopped, along with people driving vehicles which were unroadworthy or had a defect.

All of these actions serve towards making the county’s roads safer and reduce the likelihood of someone being killed or seriously injured by an illegally/unsafely driven or defective vehicle.

The Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team were assisted by officers from the Road Casualty Reduction Team, Commercial Vehicle Unit, Sentinel Team and Local Policing Team.

Partner agencies present included the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC); Home Office Immigration Enforcement; Environment Agency; Suffolk County Council Trading Standards; West Suffolk Council Taxi Licensing; and CDER Group Debt Recovery.

One person was arrested on suspicion of drug driving (cocaine) and 53 vehicles were escorted back to the check site, with just three leaving clear of any offences.

A total of 54 Traffic Offence Reports were issued at the check site, including 23 for no seatbelt; seven for tinted windows; six for using a mobile phone; six for insecure loads; two for no MoT; two for illegal tyres; two for number plate offences; and two for no insurance.

A further 19 people were breathalysed for drink-driving or wiped for drug driving, one of which was positive.

A van escorted back to the site was linked to scrap metal theft.

Following checks with the MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau), it was discovered that it was being driven without the correct insurance and was seized as a result. DVSA also placed a prohibition on the vehicle due to its dangerous condition.

One of the vehicles escorted back for an insecure load was towing a trailer carrying a ride-on lawnmower, that was not strapped down or secured. HMRC checked the lawnmower for illegal fuel and found the presence of red diesel, so the lawnmower was then seized.

PC Will Hudson, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “We hold these days of action all across the county and this was a very successful operation in Haverhill.

“These days are vital in helping us gather and share intelligence with partner agencies and are also a great way of intensely targeting an area.

“The fact that 50 of the 53 vehicles escorted back recorded an offence or defect of some description, highlights the fact that far too many people are not taking their safety and the safety of all road users seriously enough.

“It is incumbent on all road users to adhere to the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and being driven in a safe manner.

“Our officers are out on the roads 24/7 enforcing this, but these days help to shine a spotlight on these issues and we hope they can help to educate drivers of the risks.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It’s great to see another effective day of action being carried out in the county – these operations really do live up to their name.

“Disrupting criminality and keeping our roads safe for all roads users is absolutely essential and the results speak for themselves.

“This is a fantastic example of agencies working together for the good of us all and I fully support this approach, well done to everyone involved.”