As part of the Dyfed-Powys Police drive to ensure that all vehicles using the roads are of an acceptable standard, checks were made across the force area between July 13 and 21.

This nine day period was reflected nationally by all UK forces who took part, code names Operation Tourist.

Assisted by the Vehicle Inspectorate, vehicles utilised for the carrying of passengers were stopped and checked, from the smallest mini-bus to the largest international coach.

Static 'check-points' were sited at various locations across the force area to provide maximum coverage of the road network whilst affording passengers the minimum of disruption to their journey.

As a result of the campaign:

*198 vehicles were stopped and checked.

*four vehicles were immediately prohibited from continuing their journey due to their general lack of roadworthiness. A further 14 vehicles were issued with delayed notices allowing them to rectify the defect as soon as possible.

*18 vehicles were issued with defect notices for more minor defects.

*one vehicle excise licence offence was detected.

*two tachograph defects were found with six drivers reported and 10 verbally warned for offences relating to the permitted number of driving hours allowed.

*one vehicle speed limiter offence was found.

In addition several drivers were not aware of the location of their vehicle's safety emergency devices ie. fuel cut off etc.

In participating with this nationally supported campaign, Dyfed-Powys Police have validated their stance in prosecuting those persons who disregard both road safety and law.

In addition operators of such vehicles will not be allowed to become complacent in maintaining their own vehicles to an acceptable standard or cause their drivers to work outside legal guidelines.

Drivers of vehicles which are not road worthy, or whose manner of driving is below that expected of a competent and careful driver can rest assure that a continuing effort is made to deter and detect offences 365 days a year!

Dyfed-Police would like to take this opportunity to thank those motorists whose journeys were delayed as a result of the operation and those agencies who assisted the police in this highly successful operation.