MORE than a dozen vehicles were taken off the road by police when they conducted a roadside operation in Lydney.

Officers staked out the A48 on Friday and used automatic number plate recognition technology to target scrap metal thieves, drink-drivers and those driving unroadworthy vehicles without insurance, tax or an MOT.

Drivers were directed to the car park of Bathurst Swimming Pool where officers searched or checked the condition of vehicles and staff from HM Revenue & Customs dipped fuel tanks to check red diesel was not being used.

The driver of a pick up truck carrying a large amount of scrap metal - which was not thought to have been stolen - will be prosecuted for environmental transport offences for having no waste carriers licence.

In total 10 vehicles were taken off the road due to defects or having no MOT.

Seven vehicles were seized as they were not insured. These will be impounded and later sent to the crusher unless coverage is taken out and storage fees are paid for.

One street caution was given for possession of cannabis.