Over 100 dangerous commercial vehicles removed from the road in a multi-agency operation across Wales.
At an operation in October 2021, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), South Wales Police, Gwent Police, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Natural Resources Wales, and Trading Standards came together to target ‘rogue traders’ on Welsh roads.
Enforcement teams involved in the operation were largely targeting vans and other light goods vehicles being used for commercial purposes.
Across all check sites, DVSA examiners issued a total of 110 immediate prohibitions for defects so dangerous that they result in a vehicle being immediately removed from the road.
The most common defects across all the operations related to overloading and tyres.
These defects compromise vehicle performance, including stopping distances and steering capability, putting the driver and other members of the public at risk in the local areas they operate.
One of the vehicles pulled in at a check in Swansea had a catastrophic 25 prohibitable mechanical defects. The driver was reported for dangerous use by South Wales Police after DVSA examiners found issues with the vans steering, significant corrosion, tyres which were damaged, deflated and had an illegal tread depth, loose tools and equipment that could interfere with controls in the cab, broken indicators, and an expired MOT.
Alongside the most dangerous defects found, 71 delayed prohibitions were also issued.
DVSA’s Head of Regulatory Services & Transformation Caroline Hicks, said:
“DVSA’s priority is to protect people from unsafe drivers and vehicles, which includes taking dangerous traders off the road.
“This action alongside our partners serves as a reminder of the risks associated with cutting corners on road safety. Every driver or operator has a responsibility to check their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before beginning a journey.
“DVSA is here to support those operators and drivers who do comply and are safe on our roads. We want to ensure they are not disadvantaged by dangerous and reckless road use.
“We endeavor to support drivers and operators to remain safe, which is why we have produced guidance accessible on GOV.UK to empower commercial road users to make Welsh roads safe for everybody.”
As part of the week of action, neighbourhood policing teams were out in communities providing advice and guidance on how the public can stay safe from exploitative doorstep trading.
Gwent Police Sergeant Lee Stachow said:
“Doorstep crime can have a huge impact on victims, so it’s vital we prevent, disrupt and enforce against rogue traders – this has been our goal throughout the week.
“Our message to rogue traders is a simple one: whether you’re using vehicles that aren’t fit for the road or exploiting vulnerable customers by charging for unnecessary work, we will continue to work with partners to protect the public, find you and bring you to justice.”
South Wales Police spokesperson, said:
“Rogue traders use unscrupulous tactics and target residents, particularly the elderly or vulnerable, and deliberately overcharge for unsatisfactory services.
“Working with agencies during these operations helps us all to reduce the risk, threat and harm from serious and organised crime. Operation Rogue Trader has involved months of collaborative hard work by all those involved, who are dedicated to disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises.
“People are urged to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives. Anybody who suspects rogue trading should contact 101 immediately, or 999 in an emergency.”
