Two vans with same registration number as each other stopped in Ewloe police operation

Two vans both displaying the exact same number plate were stopped in Ewloe yesterday as part of a road safety operation carried out by North Wales Roads Policing Unit.

Overloaded vehicles, no insurance and a defective tyre were just some of the offences detected during the operation carried out on Tuesday.

Vehicle checks were carried out on the weighbridge and five overloaded vehicles were found – the heaviest being over by 31%.

A vehicle was seized for having no insurance and another was prohibited for being in a dangerous condition.

The drivers of the two vans displaying the same number plate were also found were dealt with for displaying the incorrect registration.

PC Phil Robinson from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Driving a vehicle that is overweight affects both its handling and braking capabilities which in turn significantly increases the risk of the driver being involved in a traffic collision, putting themselves and other road users at risk..

“It is essential that drivers are aware that it is their responsibility to ensure that the vehicle they are using is road legal before commencing a journey.”

Drugs Swipe Tests

Meanwhile a 20-year-old man from Helsby in Merseyside was arrested after failing the roadside drugs swipe test after testing positive for both cannabis and cocaine.

He was stopped whilst on the A55 at Bodelwyddan shortly before 4pm and he has since been released pending the results of further tests.

A 21-year-old man from Groeslon was also arrested late last night after testing positive for cannabis at the roadside. He was also in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

He was later released pending further investigation relating to the drug drive arrest and was cautioned for the possession.

Throughout this week officers from the Roads Policing Unit are taking part in a European-wide initiative to crack down on speeding motorists.

The TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) campaign sees police forces across Europe tackling speeding by conducting random speed checks.

Officers are targeting areas which have been highlighted to North Wales Police as areas of community concerns.

During checks carried out in areas such as the A5 from Chirk to Capel Curig, Gwalchmai, Rhosymedre, Bodelwyddan and St Asaph yesterday a total of 34 TORs (Traffic Offence Reports) were issues for excess speed in a 30mph zone. Seatbelt and mobile phone offences were also detected and a vehicle was seized after the driver was found to have no licence or insurance.