In a bid to tackle traffic offences that are known to lead to killed or seriously injured collisions, ensure the correct disposal of waste & prevent fly tipping, Barking and Dagenham Council and the police recently joined forces for a joint operation in Barking.
Known as Operation Whitemouth, it took place on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 June at the junction of Renwick Road on the A13.
It was a successful couple of days for the police resulting in prosecutions for the following:
- 42 traffic offences
- 16 vehicles with no insurance
- Five people not wearing a seatbelt
- Six vehicles without MOT
- 13 vehicle seizures
- Four incorrect number plates
- Two incorrect lamps
The police also arrested two individuals:
- One for theft of motor vehicle, failing to stop when directed, dangerous driving, handling stolen goods, no insurance and perverting the course of justice
- One for drug driving.
There was also another stop site at Mayesbrook Park where the police were situated with Bailiffs, enforcing over £100,000 of unpaid fines.
It was also successful couple of days with the council’s Environmental Enforcement Officers issuing:
- One Fixed Penalty Notice and two driver notices (to be identified) for littering
- Nine notices for failing to produce Waste Carrier Licence
- Nine Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for failing to comply with the requirements of smoke free commercial vehicles
- One Fixed Penalty Notice for smoking in a smoke free vehicle
- Two notices for failing to produce Waste Transfer Notes
Enforcement officers also seized a vehicle that had previously been identified for fly-tipping.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Council officers working closely with the police a key part of our plan to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime in the borough.
“This operation delivered some great results and demonstrates the sort of things we will achieve together.”
Inspector Meredith for Safer Transport Police said: “We achieved our overall goal of improving road safety through engagement and enforcement, focussing on offences that increase the chance of fatal collisions or those resulting in serious injury.
“By working with other agencies we have tackled additional issues such as fly tipping and non-payment of fines.”
Trading Standards officers from the council were also at the operation but nobody was found to be transporting counterfeit goods or illicit tobacco.
The council will continue to support the police on similar operations.