VEHICLES were seized, fines issued and arrests made as police stopped more than 40 motorists during a day of action recently.

Durham Constabulary has detailed the results of Operation Basingstoke, which saw volunteer officers from the Cleveland and Durham Special Constabularies operate two roadside checkpoints on the A689.

On Saturday, June 2, five vehicles were seized and five more motorists were issued with an order to fix defects spotted by officers who also handed out seven fixed penalty notices.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of theft and 14 drivers reported for miscellaneous offences in an operation that targeted vehicles without tax and registered keepers, those without insurance and motorists suspected of committing offences.

Sgt Tweddell, of Cleveland & Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “The A689 is often used by travelling criminals, so these checkpoints allow us to intercept suspects moving between force areas.

“In particular, we’ve focussed on the ‘Fatal 4’ offences, which are the leading causes of death and injury on UK roads.”

The ‘Fatal 4’ offences are drink/drug driving, excessive speed, use of a handheld device, and not wearing a seatbelt.

“Three drivers were reported for these offences throughout the day.”

Operation Basingstoke was carried out in partnership with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and the Environment Agency, who assisted in carrying out vehicle checks.

Their involvement resulted in 9 DVSA prohibitions being issued for offences including corrosion and a defective prop shaft, and one Environment Agency prohibition being handed down in relation to illegal waste dumping at an unlicensed site.

The operation coincided with National Volunteers Week and National Specials Weekend, which highlights the valuable contribution of volunteers in policing.

A spokesman for Durham Special Constabulary said: “Due to the deep cuts to police budgets, it’s absolutely essential to maintain a strong Special Constabulary who have the skillset and knowledge to effectively deal with roads policing matters.”