A LARGE-SCALE police operation took place in and around Ross-on-Wye on Wednesday, pulling in vehicles of interest while officers were on the lookout to disrupt any serious and organised crime groups operating in the area.

Operation Hartfell saw officers from West Mercia’s rural crime teams based on the A40 in Ross checking for roadworthiness, weight limits, animal welfare, illegal use of red diesel use and for valid tax and insurance discrepancies.

Supported by Safer Neighbourhood Teams, the Operational Policing Unit and the motorcycle team, special constables and specialist vehicle examiners, focused on vehicles towing trailers or carrying plant, machinery, livestock or waste.

One person was arrested during the day as West Mercia was supported by various partners including neighbouring force Gloucestershire Police and Herefordshire Council’s enforcement team which focused on waste carriers, animal welfare/transports; and the Caravan Central Registration and Identification Scheme.

During the day, 30 vehicles were checked over on the A40 site, and the following results were achieved; One arrest was made off site by traffic officers for drug driving offences; two vehicles were seized for having no insurance; 13 drivers were reported/processed for traffic offences- including no insurance, overladen vehicle/trailer, expired MOTs and vehicle defects.

One motorist was caught using red diesel and was issued with a fine of £530. A £300 fine was issued by Herefordshire Council’s enforcement team for a waste carrier offence while another motorist carrying illegal foodstuff, meat and dairy, had the items seized and was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

The Rural and Business Officer team, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, also conducted farm visits in the local area checking on sites for any security issues, and speaking with farmers about crime prevention, handing out padlock kits, and SmartWater property marking kits.

Inspector Billy Keys, from the prevention hub south, said: “We had a successful rural crime day of action focusing on the Ross and the surrounding area, with one arrest made and several vehicles taken off the road after being assessed at the check site in the town.”

Sergeant Alice Bennett’s team were also targeting speeding hotspot locations around the area and recorded the following results: On the A4137 at Marstow 45 cars speed checked, but no speeding offences were identified.

However, one motorist was reported for using a mobile phone whilst driving; On the A49 between Peterstow and Bridstow no speeding offences were identified.

On the Walford Road in Ross 50 vehicles were checked, but no speeding offences were identified however a motorist who had parked inconsiderately at a junction had words of advice given by an officer.

A community bike-marking event was held by neighbourhood team in Llangrove, which also had an engagement van in Ross town centre.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "Days of action like this provide real reassurance to our communities that the issues that matter most to them are being tackled.

“This operation is a great example of partners working together to take action to disrupt criminal activity, keep our roads safe and support our rural communities."