Sussex Crackdown: 36 Defects Found in 18 Vehicles!
Sussex Police teamed up with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to make roads safer. On Monday 23 January, they hit a Tangmere site, checking heavy and light goods vehicles.
The goal? Make sure vehicles were roadworthy, loads secure, and drivers fit to take the wheel.
DVSA’s Mobile Inspection Unit Hits the Road
The DVSA brought out its shiny new Mobile Inspection Unit (MIU) – a portable vehicle check station. It’s packed with tech like roller brake testers, under-vehicle cameras, shaker plates, and even tachograph calibration checks.
This kit can be set up anywhere flat and big enough, letting examiners stop-check vehicles nationwide with ease.
Tyre Fails, Brake Defects & Overloads Spark Action
The joint operation uncovered 36 defects on just 18 vehicles. The worst? Shoddy tyres that needed replacing before the journey could continue.
- Load security issues and faulty indicators were spotted—problems drivers could have caught during a simple walkaround.
- A serious brake defect was flagged.
- Two vehicles were overloaded.
- Some drivers failed to use a tachograph or driver card.
Three drivers were slapped with fixed penalty notices. One 32-ton tipper got a prohibition notice and was referred to the DVLA for unpaid vehicle tax.
Top Brass Weigh In on Road Safety
“We see at first-hand the devastating consequences that insecure loads and poor vehicle conditions can lead to,” said Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner.
“These operations and education campaigns are vital. We’ll keep working with DVSA to keep drivers safe.”
DVSA’s Director of Enforcement Marian Kitson added: “The Mobile Inspection Unit lets us be agile and focused, targeting dangerous drivers and vehicles.”
“Partnership with Sussex Police means we protect local communities and remind everyone of their road safety responsibilities.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Operators with unroadworthy vehicles are a menace. The Mobile Inspection Unit will help clamp down on them and keep roads safe.”
