Target rogue HGV’s, but don’t forget safety in our town centres

Officers detect over 140 vehicle offences as part of roads policing operation

Cheshire police were out in force on the motorways and in and around Sandbach town to crack down on HGVs and other commercial vehicles who breach driving laws and regulations.

Officers detected 145 commercial vehicle offences, resulting in fines and penalties of up to £12,250, as part of a joint operation running between 25-29 July.

The operation saw officers working in partnership with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and HM Revenue & Customs, stopping 100 HGV trucks and overweight vehicles for checks including a valid driving license and insurance, vehicle defects, sufficient rest stops and the condition of tyres and brakes.

The operation, which was part of a national campaign and supported by the North West Motorway Police Group, ran from a checkpoint in Sandbach and saw 50 drivers issued with tickets, 17 prohibited vehicles and three vehicles seized for driving license and insurance offences.

PC Martyn Campbell, of the Constabulary’s commercial vehicle unit, said: “Officers worked extremely hard in targeting commercial vehicles which are not safe to be on our roads. By working alongside other agencies it enabled the operation to be hugely successful with many vehicles being removed from the roads.”

Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, said: “This operation was an excellent demonstration of outside agencies and Cheshire Constabulary working collaboratively to keep the roads in Cheshire safer.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Keane, said: “During my conversations with Cheshire residents, road safety has been something that has come up time and time again as a priority for policing in Cheshire.

“As such, I am pleased to see the success of this operation as it’s a positive demonstration of the work the Constabulary is undertaking alongside its partners to ensure our communities’ roads are safer. I would like to thank all involved for their hard work.”

Great news but perhaps Mr Keane should turn his attention to our town centres.

Despite letters to Cheshire Police, Cheshire East and Tesco – the Stop signs at Tesco’s vehicular exit onto Black Lane remain out of action. I say out of action – one has been returned to a nearly vertical position but the lamp illuminating the sign still hangs below where it is as much use as chocolate fireguard.

Interestingly only Cheshire Police responded to my letter to them – saying it wasn’t their responsibility.

Tesco continue to chase your pennies but evidently couldn’t give a stuff for our safety.

145 breaches of law by HGV’s resulted in £12,500 worth of fines. How much is a life worth?