ALMOST 40 vehicles and their occupants were checked in an operation in Bewdley.

Operation Largo, which took place at Blackstone picnic site on Monday last week, targeted vehicles carrying scrap metal and waste.

It was a multi-agency operation between West Mercia Police, VOSA - the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, Wyre Forest District Council and HM Revenue and Customs. Thirty eight vehicles were stopped.

They were inspected by officials from VOSA to ensure they were roadworthy and the drivers’ and passengers’ details checked on police databases. Checks were also carried out to ensure the drivers had the necessary licences and insurance.

HM Revenue and Customs took fuel samples, looking for red diesel, while district council officials ensured drivers had the necessary waste-carrying licences.

A Smartwater torch was used, with loads scanned for traces of the forensic marking solution to ensure they were not stolen.

Eleven vehicle owners received prohibition notices, requiring defects to be rectified, two of which were judged to be so serious that the vehicles were prevented from leaving the site. One was a trailer which was in poor condition and had no brakes, as well as the driver not having the correct licence for it. The other was a van which was deemed to be unroadworthy.

Seven of the vehicles will be required to pass an MoT and one was required to be inspected further by VOSA.

The driver of a trailer towing a horsebox which was not properly attached was required to make alternative arrangements for the transport of the horse. One driver was reported for driving offences.

PC Steve Yapp, of the Bewdley local policing team, said: “Operations are taking place regularly at various locations to enable us to build up a picture of which vehicles are collecting scrap in our communities and which routes they use.

“These vehicles and their occupants will be checked to ensure they are roadworthy and have all the necessary licences. These operations are aimed at ensuring our roads are safe for all users and I am sure people will be reassured by them.”

PC Yapp added follow-up visits would be made to scrap yards in North Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

Similar operations have taken place in recent weeks in Hagley, Longbridge and Worcester.