30-09-04 Latest Results from Operation Mermaid
VOSA have checked over 1000 vehicles for roadworthiness and over 800 for traffic offences in the latest Operation Mermaid which took place on 23 September.
Of the vehicles checked for roadworthiness, 719 were found to be clear of any defect and of those checked for traffic offences, 499 were clear of any offence.
236 UK registered vehicles (26.7%) and 66 foreign vehicles (29.59%) received prohibitions for roadworthiness defects. 89 UK registered vehicles (13.5%) and 52 foreign vehicles (34.89%) were issued with prohibitions for traffic offences.
The check was one of the Operation Mermaid series and was co-ordinated by Dorset police at 45 locations across the country. Its aim is to check on goods vehicles carrying hazardous goods and vehicles on international journeys.
Jeff Belt, Operations Director for VOSA said:
"Targeted checks are aimed at those operators most likely to be non-compliant so I am pleased to see the number of vehicles and drivers who are clear of any offence. We will continue our efforts to improve road safety through our activities and our work with the police and other agencies."
NOTES TO EDITORS
Operation Mermaid is the code name for a series of multi agency nationwide checks organised by the Police.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is the Government Agency with statutory responsibilities for ensuring the road worthiness of the vehicle fleet. It contributes to the maintenance and improvement of road safety and environmental protection by the enforcement of relevant legislation.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006