Unsafe vehicles targeted in road safety operation

Last Friday (06 September 2024) we worked with the DVSA on a vehicle inspection operation. Officers checked a range of vehicles travelling on the busy A1 to ensure they were not only roadworthy – but the cargo was safely secured, and the drivers had not been behind the wheel for too long.

In total the team inspected 23 vehicles. Sadly, we found that most of them had an excess load or were in overall dangerous condition. Various issues were pointed out to drivers which include insecure items, worn trailer lashings, loose wheel nuts and cracked windscreens. This resulted in 10 prohibition orders being issued, requiring drivers to stop driving immediately. 15 traffic offence reports were also issued for various offences.

Inspector Clive Turner from North Yorkshire Police said: “Overloading is a common issue which we have seen during Friday’s operation. One of the main problems that we have is drivers loading flatbed vehicles and then not fastening things down which means that part of the load can come free, and this could cause a serious road traffic collision. 

“Unsafe vehicles are a threat to all road users. Before setting off it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that their vehicle is fit for purpose and check it is appropriate for the loads being carried.

“Operations like this one take place regularly at various locations across the county. They are invaluable for enforcement purposes and help prevent serious incidents on the busy road network.“