W. Yorks 'purges'
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WEST YORKSHIRE police continued their purge on foreign drivers last week by setting up 'Operation Truck. stop' on the Al, near Wetherby.
Under the "purge", spot checks on lorries were followed by same day court hearings for foreign drivers.
West Yorkshire police, the Department of Transport and Customs and Excise started the scheme about a year ago and have been operating it every three months since. Liaison between the police and magistrates means that offending foreign drivers can be prosecuted in a special magistrates court on the same day. British offenders are dealt with in the usual manner.
Although 'Operation Truckstop' last week was aimed principally at foreign drivers, 133 British vehicles and only seven foreign vehicles were stopped. Five of the foreign drivers were taken to court for offences such as speeding, overloading and mechanical defects, while 30 British drivers have been reported and action will possibly be taken on a few more.