A MULTI-agency operation cracking down on vehicle safety took place at the Newport Docks today.

Gwent Police, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, Department and Work and Pensions and Maritime Coastguard Agency teamed up to check vehicles using the docks from 7.30am to 4pm.

Fifty two vehicles were checked during the operation which included a total of 27 Gwent Police officers from the Roads Policing Unit, ANPR, search officers and Neighbourhood officers.

As a result of the operation offences included: one summons for no insurance/licence; one man arrested for non-payment of fines; one fixed penalty notice for cannabis possession; one fixed penalty notice for use of a mobile phone; two fixed penalty notices for driving without MOT; three fixed penalty notices for no insurance; three vehicles seized for no insurance; one fixed penalty notice for a defective tyre; two graduated fixed penalty notice for overweight vehicles; seven immediate prohibitions for vehicle defects.

As well as; 14 delayed prohibitions for vehicle defects; one prohibition for drivers hours offences two reports for operator licence offences ; and one check will result in a MOT test station investigation .

Inspector Martyn Smith of the Gwent Police roads policing unit said: “It’s a multi-agency operation.

"We can look at all sorts of things including the conditions of vehicles.

"With the support of HM Revenue and Customs, we make sure they’re not running on red diesel.

"You can look at the weight of the vehicle and make sure it’s not overloaded and DWP are here so we can see if there is anyone claiming benefits while they’re working.

In deciding whether to pull a vehicle in, Inspector Smith said the officers ask themselves: “Does it look road-worthy?

" Is it being driven in a manner which draws attention to itself?”

Inspector Martyn Smith added: “Newport has a very large and busy docks and we want to ensure that users of the docks are doing so lawfully and safely.

" As well as looking at vehicle defects to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and legal we will also be looking at the lawfulness of the drivers, vehicles and loads at the docks.

“The operation will not only be checking vehicles including cars, lorries and motorbikes but containers and ships.

“These operations can identify offences committed to be dealt with on the spot with penalty notices and fines but we can also possibly gain intelligence which could identify and disrupt larger scale criminal activity."