Almost 30 vehicles stopped in latest crackdown on motoring offences

Operation Utah took place on Monday 22 January to identify and tackle road users putting other motorists at risk.

Officers checked almost 30 vehicles and issued 12 traffic offence reports as part of the latest operation to crack down on motoring offences.

Operation Utah – a multi-agency day of action – is designed to identify and tackle road users putting other motorists at risk – either by driving illegally or by driving vehicles not up to a safe standard.

One person was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol and another was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

A total of 29 vehicles were examined during the road safety operation on Monday 22 January at the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) weighbridge and test site at Newport’s Coldra roundabout.

The multi-agency operation included officers from the Roads Policing and Specialist Operations team and the Motor Insurance Bureau.

Officers teamed up with partners from the DVSA.
Throughout the day, the operation saw:
Twenty-nine vehicles stopped in total for checks
Twelve Traffic Offence Reports (TOR) issued for various infringements, including no tax, no MOT, and insecure loads
Nine immediate roadworthy prohibitions were issued – including vehicles being overweight, defective tyres
Four vehicles seized for being driven without insurance
Four 165 seizures for vehicles seized for driving not in accordance with a licence and/or no insurance.

PC Nathan Ford, from the Roads Policing and Specialist Operations unit, said:

"Those who choose to break the law by driving vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not only put themselves at risk but other road users too.

"Driving irresponsibly, with no insurance or whilst not maintaining the condition of your vehicle, is not acceptable and together with our partners, we will continue to target those who break the law in this way.

"Focused operations such as this ensure that those who flout the law and put road safety at risk are taken off the road immediately.

"I would urge all motorists to drive carefully, responsibly and within the limits of the law and to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained at all times.

"If you are concerned about unroadworthy vehicles or vehicles being driven illegally you can call us on 101 or DM us on Facebook or X.”