A blitz on drivers flouting drivers' hours and vehicle maintenance laws on the M4 in Wales unearthed a 44-tonne artic driver who had been working for 21 and a half hours. Lorries and vans with dangerous defects were pulled off the motorway by Vosa, police and Revenue & Customs officers as part of the national check on goods vehicles known as Operation Mermaid.
Officers found:
The artic driver was prohibited from driving for 11 hours. One person was also arrested for theft and handling JCB plant he has since been bailed. The Department for Works and Pensions is now investigating six drivers on suspicion of working while claiming benefits. Sergeant Rowan Moore says: "Driving a vehicle with defective tyres and brakes shows a complete disregard for the safety of other motorists. Commercial companies and their drivers and private drivers have a duty to maintain their vehicles. All those drivers caught for offences were prosecuted and we will continue to check the roads and work to make sure motorists are not put at risk."
Chief Inspector Darren Phillips, Deputy Head of South Wales Police Roads Policing Unit, adds: "The message is quite clear - we will continue to
run these operations regularly at all times of the day and night to deal robustly with those who foolishly choose to drive through South Wales and commit offences."
Reed Business Information Limited.©2008
