Forty vehicles were stopped and checked during a multi-agency operation held in Suffolk, yesterday, with a raft of notices issued to drivers.

The operation, conducted by Suffolk and Norfolk Roads Policing and Firearms Operational Unit (RPFOU), was held at the Rougham Lorry Park, in Bury St Edmunds, and ran from 8am to 2.30pm.

Officers were supported by partner agencies such as the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in targeting the A14 network and surrounding local roads.

Automatic number plate recognition technology was used to stop suspicious vehicles before checks were made at the roadside or at the nearby check site where further examinations could take place.

During the operation 40 vehicles were escorted to the check site.

In total six immediate prohibitions were issued for eight defects; eight delayed prohibitions were issued; 68 advisory notices were issued for defects; one vehicle was seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for no insurance; 12 fixed penalty notices were issued for offences including no insurance, mobile phone use, illegal registration plates, tyre defects, tachograph offences, defective brakes, and excessive loading; two hazardous materials prohibitions and one advisory hazardous materials prohibitions were issued; one driver failed a breath test and field impairment test; one was reported for summons for vehicle excise offences; and one was reported for a waste carrier offence.

HMRC tested the fuel in all 40 vehicles for non-rebated fuel. One vehicle was found to have kerosene in the fuel tank and the owner received a fine of over �500.

Sgt Julian Ditcham, of the Suffolk RPFOU, said: “The aim of this operation was to target criminals using the road network in Suffolk.

“Both the police officers and our partner agencies put in a lot of hard work and it was pleasing that we were able to see some positive results. “Operations such as this put out a positive and firm message to road users in Suffolk and demonstrate our commitment to working with our partners to tackle crime on Suffolk’s roads.”