Road check operation targets unsafe drivers and vehicles
From Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Len Cresswell on 04 August 2010
Over 150 vehicles were checked on Monday 26 July in a multi-agency road check operation.
Officers from Solihull Council, West Midlands Police, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), UK Border Agency, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Fire & Rescue Service, Department of Works and Pensions and the Magistrates Court were based in the NEC West Car Park to carry out checks on vehicles using the A45, M42 and surrounding roads.
During the day 152 drivers were stopped including cars, taxis, HGVs and vans, with vehicles being inspected and documentation checked.
Solihull Council’s Licensing Officers inspected 52 taxis on the day. One driver was immediately suspended for their tyres being below the legal limit. Five drivers were reported for plate and badge offences and a further twelve were advised on minor vehicle defects.
Trading Standards reported four drivers for overloaded vehicles.
VOSA issued 14 prohibition notices for various defects on vehicles, such as defective tyres, excessive tints on glass, faulty air brakes and general dangerous conditions.
Two vehicles were seized by HM Revenue and Customs for using illegal red diesel. The owner paid £1000 to have the vehicles reinstated.
One driver was arrested by the Magistrates Court for unpaid fines totalling £297, whilst the Council’s Benefits Team found someone who was falsely claiming single occupiers discount and have began a fraud investigation into an undeclared non-dependant on housing and council tax benefit claim.
The Police issued 11 Fixed Penalty Notices for offences such as using a mobile phone when driving and seized 11 vehicles because they were being used without insurance. Fire & Rescue spoke to 12 people about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt.
Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Len Cresswell said: “This has been another highly successful day of partnership working. These road check operations are a great way a range of agencies can come together and find drivers who are breaching road safety laws. We have removed a number of dangerous vehicles from the road and have spoken to many drivers, making the roads safer for people travelling in Solihull.”
Jennie Kendall, HMRC spokeswoman said: “We will continue to disrupt the illegal use of red diesel through joint high profile operations such as this to detect this type of criminal activity and by imposing tough penalties.
“Red diesel is much cheaper than diesel at the forecourt as it carries a reduced rate of excise duty. It contains a chemical marker which makes illegal use easier to detect. Only vehicles such as agricultural tractors, plant and machinery are entitled to use it.
“We would encourage anyone with information relating to the illegal use of red diesel to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk”
For media enquiries contact Olivia White on 0121 704 8373
Email: owhite@solihull.gov.uk