A roadside check operation by police and customs agencies in South Norfolk uncovered a string of motoring offences from vehicles that were stopped.

The multi-agency operation took place in Diss yesterday afternoon (January 9) with the aim of catching criminals using the roads while also targeting unsafe vehicles.

The operation on Victoria Road involved officers from the Diss, Long Stratton and Harleston Safer Neighbourhood Teams, alongside Norfolk & Suffolk's Road Policing and the roads casualty reduction team

Officers pulled over vehicles which showed signs they may be unsafe. Fuel testing, drug checks and vehicle examinations were carried out at the site with assistance from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and enforcement officers from South Norfolk Council.

More than 30 vehicles were stopped in total and 15 traffic offence reports were issued for various offences including having no MOT, using a mobile phone whilst driving, no seatbelt, a vehicle in a dangerous condition and excess window tint.

Four motorists were handed prohibition notices, four drivers got notices to produce documents for not having waste carrier licences and HMRC also issued a fine to one driver who was using red diesel.

Sergeant Dave Burke said: 'More than 15 offences were detected in total during the operation and I extremely pleased with the results.

'I am thankful for my colleagues and partners for their ongoing support and hope this sends a clear message to those who break the law. We have taken several dangerous offenders off the road today and have reiterated that any deviations from the law will be dealt with stringently.

'Remember, if you fail to insure and MOT your vehicle, use drink or drugs, speed or use your mobile phone whilst driving, you put everyone's lives at risk - not just your own.'

The operation follows similar checks in November when 46 vehicles were stopped and 35 traffic offence reports completed.