Police team up to take dangerous drivers off the roads

Northumbria Police have teamed up with partners to take a host of dangerous drivers off our roads.
Northumbria Police have teamed up with partners to take a host of dangerous drivers off our roads.Northumbria Police have teamed up with partners to take a host of dangerous drivers off our roads.
Northumbria Police have teamed up with partners to take a host of dangerous drivers off our roads.

Officers from the force's motor patrols department were joined by representatives from HMRC and VOSA at the Tyne Tunnel on Thursday to carry out stop checks as part of Operation

Overlord which looked to identify any defects that could pose a danger to other road users.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than 50 vehicles were stopped and police issued nine drivers with PG9 prohibitions for vehicle defects, five fixed penalty notices and two verbal warnings for driving offences.

Five vehicles were seized by police for offences included driving without insurance, driving without a licence, using a vehicle in a dangerous condition and fuel duty evasion.

The activity supports the ongoing work of the Op Dragoon team who work with motor patrol officers to remove dangerous drivers from our roads.

Motor Patrols Chief Inspector John Heckels said: "This was a great example of partnership working that could have prevented those stopped from causing a major accident in the future.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Motorists need to be aware that the smallest defect to your vehicle could have a huge impact if you need to stop suddenly or take evasive action on the road.

"We want to make the north east roads as safe as possible and build upon the good work being done by the Op Dragoon team to take any dangerous drivers off our roads.

"If you're thinking of taking a chance with a broken headlight or a wobbly exhaust then think again - we won't let you get away with it."

If anyone wants to report a dangerous driver to police then contact the Op Dragoon team by calling 101.