Vehicles stopped in safety crackdown

Commercial and heavy goods vehicles were the focus of the multi-agency operation on the Ashley Heath interchange on the morning of Thursday, February 20, which saw roads policing officers from Dorset Police join forces with HM Revenue and Customs, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Environment Agency, National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service and Datatag.

Nine vehicles were dealt with for excessive weight with one Ford Transit van carrying pallets being almost two tons over weight – more than 50 per cent above its maximum weight limit. As a result the driver will have to attend court to explain their actions.

Two vehicles were dealt with for having no tachograph, which records how many hours of driving they’re doing, while another was seized due to not holding valid insurance.

Three vehicles were given a prohibition notice that prevented them from continuing their journeys due to being seriously unsafe.

One driver had an offensive weapon seized after he could not explain why he was carrying a baseball bat on his back seat and another driver was reported for driving while disqualified.

Numerous other heavy goods and commercial vehicles were dealt with for offences including no MOT, missing number plates, defective tyres, waste offences, not wearing seatbelts and non-payment of the HGV levy.

Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit said: “It’s important we target all road users and the results from today’s operation, which forms part of a national week of action around heavy goods vehicles demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the roads are as safe as possible for all.

“We were joined by numerous other enforcement colleagues enabling us to target a greater variety of offences with their specialist powers, knowledge and expertise.”

Anyone with concerns about road users in the community report them to Dorset Police by going to dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.