Motorists using north Shropshire roads were targeted in a major multi-agency operation involving police, Trading Standards and SmartWater.
Police deployed a number of cars and motorbikes on the roads yesterday, in an operation which was centred around a temporary base at Lynn’s Raven Cafe and Truckstop, Prees Heath, near Whitchurch. The operation involved about 15 police vehicles from Shropshire and Cheshire who were checking the roadworthiness of vehicles and issuing prohibition notices for vehicles travelling on roads, including on the A41.
Police were joined by representatives from other agencies, including trading standards, animal welfare, SmartWater, and customs and excise. They also used hi-tech automatic number plate recognition equipment as part of the roads blitz.
Constable Paul Frank, local policing officer for Market Drayton, said: “This is the third time we have run this operation at this site. It is a multi-agency operation which has been organised to raise traffic awareness. We are stopping all sorts of vehicles, including cars and lorries. We are checking for things like vehicles being road worthy, if they carry red diesel, if motorists have the right documents with them.
He continued: “We are really grateful to have the support of other agencies, including SmartWater who help to make these types of operations work.”
Steve Lloyd, of SmartWater. said: “Our aim is to raise awareness with motorists that SmartWater is out there and is being used.”