Ref: PR 2646
Date: 17/06/2010 

Wakefield Council teams and partner organisations held a successful action day in Normanton on June 11 as part of their work to keep the roads safe. 

The operation, organised by Wakefield Council, included partners from West Yorkshire Police, HM Customs and Excise, VOSA, Benefit Fraud and the Taxi Licensing Department.

During the day 70 vehicles were stopped and 37 separate offences identified. Offences identified included benefit fraud, breach of Hackney Carriage regulations and eight immediate prohibitions by VOSA. 

In addition two local businesses will be fully audited by HM Customs and Excise due to traces of red diesel being found in vehicles and at their place of business. The drivers were also issued with on the spot fines of £500. 

Cllr Olivia Rowley, cabinet member for environment and communities, said: “These successful action days bring together key agencies, meaning we can work effectively to identify those acting illegally. It sends out a clear message that breaking the rules will not be tolerated.”

Sgt Emily Whelan, of Normanton and Featherstone NPT said: "It was an extremely successful day of partnership working, proving that vehicle crime will not be tolerated in the Normanton & Featherstone area. The local NPTwill continue to offer reassurance and support to local residents."  

Wakefield Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Unit intends to hold similar operations throughout the district to identify those responsible for using our district’s highways inappropriately or illegally.

Ends