54 arrests in latest swoops
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by Tim Maughan
• Police arrested 54 hauliers across the UK last week for offences ranging from drug trafficking to theft, in the latest Operation Mermaid exercise.
A total of 5,613 commercial vehicles were checked by Vehicle Inspectorate staff and police officers; DSS and customs officers also took part in the national crackdown on cowboys in the haulage industry.
Enforcement staff issued 276 immediate and 256 delayed prohibitions—the most common defects involved brakes, steering and tyres.
The VI has also launched a series of investigations after more than 200 drivers were found to have flouted tachograph, speed limiter and 0licence requirements.
Operation Mermaid co
ordinator, PC Bob Knockles of West Midlands Police, reports that four drivers were arrested for driving while disqualified, and five under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Other arrests were made for offences including trafficking in cocaine, drink-driving and carrying offensive weapons.
Some vehicles were targeted by police, says Knockles, while others were stopped randomly. "If there is an accident a goods vehicle causes more mayhem than a car," he points out. "It is disturbing that we found four drivers who were driving while disqualified—I find this worrying."
Knockles describes Operation Mermaid as "very productive"; similar nationwide checks are due to take place later in the year.