Traffic Sergeant Ian Pope, who co-ordinated the
operation

Road policing officers joined forces with HM Revenue and Customs for a high-visibility safety operation along the A1 and A1(M) on Friday, 8 August 2008.

Eight marked and three unmarked patrol cars were involved in the enforcement effort, which covered the 40 mile route between Wetherby and Scotch Corner.

Three vans from HM Revenue and Customs’ Road Fuel Testing unit were also on hand to carry out checks for illegal use of red diesel. Of the 28 vehicles they “dipped”, one offender was identified which resulted in a £500 fine.

In total 118 vehicles were stopped during the four-and-a-half hour operation and only one collision occurred, which was a “damage-only” involving three cars on the south-bound carriageway just before the A61 Thirsk exit. The drivers swapped insurance details.

This was a very effective road safety operation that was enhanced by working alongside HM Revenue and Customs

Ian Pope - Western Area Road Policing Group

The results of the operation were as follows:

• 17 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued for speeding
• 4 drivers were reported for summons for speeding
• 2 formal warnings for speeding
• 1 reported for summons for careless driving
• 6 FPNs for using a hand-held mobile phone
• 1 reported for summons for using a mobile phone whilst driving
• 2 FPNs for driving without insurance
• 1 FPN for a number plate offence
• 6 FPNs for Seatbelt FPN adult
• 0 positive breath tests
• 5 HORT/1 notices issued, which give people seven days to produce the required motoring documents at an elected police station. Failing to do so can lead to prosecution.

Traffic Sergeant Ian Pope, of the Western Area Road Policing Group, said: “This was a very effective road safety operation that was enhanced by working alongside HM Revenue and Customs.

“We will continue this multi-agency approach to make our roads safer, improve vehicle and driver standards and, ultimately, save lives.”

The operation was part of North Yorkshire Police’s ongoing road safety campaign Operation Anvil, which is backed by the 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership.