More than 50 vehicles stopped in Hartlepool crackdown on road offences

Cleveland Police Special Constabulary led the operation with back up from the Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team and Hartlepool Borough Council.

Fifty-three vehicles were stopped with two seized by officers over off-road and insurance matters.

Five fixed penalty notices were handed out with two motorists also facing further investigation over speeding and insurance issues.

Special Inspector Phill Brette, from Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police team, said: “This was a partnership operation alongside enforcement officers from Hartlepool Borough Council and my neighbourhood police team colleagues.

“The operation saw just over 50 vehicles stopped and a number of offences identified, including vehicles showing no insurance and others showing to be off the road (SORN).

"These vehicles were removed from the roads.

“Drivers and riders who were stopped and found to have defects to their vehicles were given words of advice and documentation to ensure these defects are repaired.

“I want to thank members of the public for their support whilst my officers were carrying out the operation.

“This type of operation does have an impact and are designed to make the roads safer and protect those drivers and riders who do pay insurance and tax and have valid driving documentation and it’s certainly something we’ll look at doing again.”

A council spokesperson added after the March 27 operation: “The council, as a member of the integrated Hartlepool Community Safety Team, was pleased to be able to work with officers from Cleveland Police’s Special Constabulary on this joint operation.

“As part of ongoing efforts to tackle fly-tipping and littering, our enforcement officers had a specific interest in checking that vehicles carrying waste were correctly licensed and vehicles transporting waste were adequately covered.

"Most of the vehicles checked were properly authorised to carry waste, although two are subject to follow-up action.

“It is intended that similar operations will take place in the future, and we look forward to playing our part in them.”

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