Police op targets crimes around abnormal loads in Staffordshire
More than 50 vehicles were stopped and checked during the operation, with more than 40 offences identified.
A joint police operation around tackling abnormal loads has identified more than 40 offences.
Staffordshire Police’s Road Crime Team (RCT), working with partners including West Midlands Police’s commercial vehicle unit as well as Greater Manchester Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, vehicle detection company DataTag and National Highways, took part in the operation on Monday.
The force said a dedicated check-site was set up at a policing post in Doxey in Stafford, which resulted in 53 vehicles being stopped.
Out of those pulled over, officers identified 44 offences. The majority of vehicles stopped were vans up to 3.5 tonnes, followed by HGVs and cars.
A total of 12 insecure loads were identified, while six individuals were found not to have insurance and five were reported for number plate offences.
Inspector Chris Moss, of the Staffordshire Police RCT, said: “These issues present significant risks to road users, particularly on high-speed strategic routes such as the M6.
“A number of vehicles were prohibited during the operation, with participating police forces issuing prohibitions for dangerous vehicle conditions.
“Prosecutions are expected to follow in relation to offences identified.
“The operation demonstrates the direct public safety value of coordinated roadside enforcement.
“Identifying dangerous vehicles, insecure loads and other serious compliance failures allows appropriate action to be taken before those risks result in collisions, serious injuries or fatalities.
“Alongside enforcement, the day provided valuable continuing professional development for officers and opportunities to educate drivers and operators on their legal responsibilities.”