FIVE vehicles with insecure loads and one with total brake failure were stopped during an operation targeting illegal or unroadworthy vehicles in Kidderminster yesterday (Friday).
Multiple motoring offences were identified by officers from Wyre Forest Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) who were joined by officers from West Mercia’s Motorcycle Traffic Support Team (MTST) and partner agencies.
The operation took place at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) site in Kidderminster and West Mercia Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills and the Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion also attended.
Motorbike officers pulled over scores of cars, vans, trucks and lorries which were checked over for their roadworthiness, insecure loads, weight limits, valid MOT and insurance certificates, stolen machinery and trailers and illegal use of red diesel.
The targeted operation was made possible thanks to support from the DVSA, Worcestershire Trading Standards and HMRC.
Vehicle issues
Of the vehicles stopped, three had no insurance, one driver had no licence, five had illegal tints, three were stopped for number plate offences and five had insecure loads. One had a defective tyre, one had no tax, two had no MOT and three were overweight. One driver also tested positive for drug driving and was arrested.
Other faults, which resulted in DVSA prohibitions included a large vehicle with total brake failure and six loose wheel nuts, one with an excessive oil leak, one where the engine would not turn off, one with a sticking handbrake and no pedal rubbers and one with an electronic issue
Senior PCSO Andy Stevens, who organised the operation, said officers pulled over vehicles of interest to ensure they were roadworthy and insured for the safety of all road users.
“As ever, we some of the drivers caught for offences some people may consider to be minor such as illegally tinted windows or illegal number plates are often a gateway to other ‘bigger’ offences which they might be trying to hide from us so that’s why we stop them.
“Drivers with heavily tinted windows are effectively driving like they have sunglasses on at night time which is clearly a huge risk to them and other road users.”
He added overweight vehicles had longer braking distances, poorer handling and weakened suspension which could have consequences for other road users if they had to stop suddenly.
“Stopping these vehicles averts another potentially dangerous situation.”
Mr Campion reducing harm on the roads was at the centre of his Safer Communities Plan and the operation was another example of the year-round activity taking place between West Mercia Police and partners to educate motorists and enforce the law to ensure roads were safer for everyone.
