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Operation Mermaid is a relatively new concept. PC Bob Knocides

1st November 2001
Page 39
Page 39, 1st November 2001 — Operation Mermaid is a relatively new concept. PC Bob Knocides
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

of West Midlands Police founded the operation: he realised that cowboy operators trucks which were based far from the West Midlands could pass through the area.

Unknown to the local police, death-traps could be operating on their roads every day. KnocIdes knew that co-ordinated checks with police forces, the Vehicle Inspectorate and Customs were needed. Operation Mermaid was launched on 29 June 1996. On that day, 36 out of the 51 UK police forces participated; this September 39 British police forces took part.

Today Operation Mermaid national co-ordinator is PC Mike Woolaghan of Cumbria Police. "I am pleased that we are stopping less vehicles than we used to," he says. Yet, as the statistics testify, the rogues are getting caught. like Chief Inspector Ray Baker, Woolaghan puts this down to accurate intelligence,

He adds: "I am happy that we are removing dangerous trucks from the road. But legitimate hauliers should not fear Mermaid—we aim to catch the cowboys."

Each operation focuses on a particular type of truck; this time it is Hazchem and Continental vehicles; next time the target will be different. "White van man could be a legitimate target," warns Woolaghan.

Ultimately, clamping down on the unscrupulous haulier improves the lot of the reputable operator Woolaghan believes: "This helps to create a level playing field so people can earn a living."


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