Police swoop on illegal vehicles

Over 30 vehicles were checked as part of Operation Scandium – a crackdown on metal theft in Scotland.

Across the Kingdom 30 vehicles were checked and six Fixed Penalty Notices for issued for seatbelt and speeding offences.

One driver was found to be driving without a licence and another was dealt with for a tachograph offence.

In addition four drivers dealt with for offences under construction and use regulations.

Operation Scandium was set up to ensure scrap metal dealers are aware of their responsibilities under the new Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 which came into force at the end of 2016.

Chief Inspector Stephen Innes of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “We have run a number of days of action along with British Transport Police prior to the new law coming in, in order to raise awareness of the changes and ensure traders could make arrangements to comply.

He added: “Metal theft can have a devastating effect on communities and businesses and we also have a commitment to making our roads safer for everyone.

“One trader was dealt with for having no Metal Dealers Licence, and three vehicles were seized for having no insurance. Three vehicles had defects so bad that they were banned from continuing their journeys whilst others needed urgent work to make sure they were fit for the road.

“Further action will be taken in the east of Scotland over the coming weeks to ensure that those ignoring the law and putting people at risk are brought to justice and removed from our roads.”