More than 100 vehicles stopped in an effort to maintain road safety
A representative from the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) joined the Wiltshire Police in a four day operation this week, targeting caravans and trailers. More than 100 vehicles were stopped during the event.
The team spent three days covering the north of the county along the M4 east and west carriageways and the A419. The final day was spent patrolling the south of the county on the A303 and the A36.
13 of the 100 vehicles stopped were charged with offences including being overweight or in a dangerous condition. Fixed penalty notices were also given to 19 drivers, one of which was charged for not having any insurance.
Minor traffic offences went unpunished, but the police made an effort to give advice to these drivers to avoid any future problems. The operation is part of an effort to ensure that motorists remain safe on the roads.
The week was chosen specifically for the surge of summer caravan holidayers on UK roads.
Police Chief Adrian Giles said: “It was an ideal time to carry out this kind of operation as so many people are out and about on their holidays, with caravans in tow.
“We weren’t aiming to cause disruption to people’s holidays however, and one of the main aims of the operation was simply to educate drivers and occupants about safer towing and ensure vehicles are road-worthy.
“We had a really positive reaction from nearly all the motorists we stopped who were happy to see that police treat caravan thefts as a very serious issue,” he concluded.
CRiS was on hand to focus on the crackdown of caravan thefts. Chief Giles said: “The CRiS were able to assist us during the operation with their equipment which enables us to identify any stolen caravans by the use of special scanner.
“During the operation, we were also able to check the general condition of the caravans and ensure drivers had the relevant licence entitlement.”
