Checks catch 180 CVs
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by Steve McQueen • Vehicles carrying food products, hazardous chemicals, skips and waste are being targeted in a series of roadside checks in the West Midlands.
So far 396 LGVs and light vans have been stopped, and more than 180 vehicles with alleged offences were found.
Police, environmental health officers, consumer protection services, West Midlands Hazardous Waste Unit and fuel rebate units from Customs & Excise are all taking part in the enforcement campaign, which will last until March.
In the latest three-hour check, at Sandwell last Thursday, 24 waste carriers were required to produce proof of registration under the Control of Pollution Amendment Act (1990) and the Registration of Waste Carriers & Seizure of Vehicles Regulations (1991).
Six food carriers were warned for failing to comply with the Food Hygiene (amendment) Regulations (1990) and three chemical carriers were warned for various infringements.
Chief Inspector Mike Dixon of Western Traffic, subdivision of West Midlands Police, says the agencies are taking a "commonsense approach" and their main aim is to increase awareness of changes in the law—but blatant offences are being forwarded for possible prosecution.
So far five vehicles have been found without excise licences; one had no Operator's Licence, another was not insured; two vehicles were overweight and eight were issued with vehicle rectification certificates.
The three other areas involved are Walsall, Dudley and Wolverhampton.
O More than 100 vehicles were stopped on the M5 last week for examination by Trading Standards officers. Three of the 31 selected for dynamic axle weights examination were reported for gross weight or front axle overloading and three were given verbal warnings