News Release
Rogue drivers taken off road during safety op
Dated: 04 Feb 2011
Rogue drivers were stopped in their tracks during a road safety operation in Newcastle's east end.
The Byker and Walker Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with the Vehicle and Operator services Agency (VOSA) and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the Northumbria Police operation.
It took place on Thursday, January 27 at Bath Street, Walker, and saw 48 vehicles stopped and drivers spoken to.
Of those stopped 12 were issued with Prohibition Notices for serious vehicle defects, meaning the vehicle can't be used until repairs are carried out. The notice will only be lifted once repairs are completed and the vehicle presented to VOSA for checking.
Seven drivers were also issued with summonses for a variety of motoring offences, while 43 of the vehicles stopped were also checked for red diesel by HMRC.
PC Euan Faulke, of the Byker and Walker Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We've been carrying out operations such as this in response to concerns raised by the local community about unsafe vehicles and dangerous driving in the area.
"We recognise that most motorists are law-abiding, drive roadworthy vehicles and abide by road regulations.
"However, operations such as this are aimed at targeting those people who flout the law and put other road users and pedestrians in danger. This joint operation with our partners was a success in that we ensured those vehicles or drivers that weren't up to standard were dealt with.
"I hope this reassures the community that we are determined to take action in response to their concerns."