SEVERAL unsafe vehicles were taken off the road last week after police and inspectors uncovered a series of serious defects during roadside checks on the A48 near Lydney.

The operation was carried out by Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Officers stopped vehicles on the busy route, which links Chepstow to Gloucester and is used daily by commuters, school traffic and heavy goods vehicles.

Checks revealed a catalogue of faults. Vehicles were found with inoperative indicators and brake lamps, tyres worn below the legal tread limit and severely underinflated, missing wheel nuts, insecure loads, loose springs showing signs of axle movement and oil leaks more than 75mm wide within five minutes of inspection.

Every vehicle stopped was either prohibited from further use or seized at the roadside.

One vehicle was already known to inspectors, having been banned in June for having no handbrake. When tested again last week it was found to be just as dangerous, with its front brakes worn down to the point of metal-on-metal contact.

Police say the operation shows how many vehicles in the area are still being driven in unsafe condition, endangering drivers, passengers and other road users. With cold and wet weather setting in, motorists are being urged to take responsibility for carrying out safety checks before setting off.

The A48 is considered one of the county’s most hazardous routes, with collisions regularly reported between Lydney and Chepstow. Police hope that by removing dangerous vehicles and raising awareness they can reduce the risks for everyone.

Drivers can find practical advice on essential safety checks, including how to monitor tyre pressure and tread depth, test that all lights and indicators are working, and ensure brakes and fluid levels are in good condition, through the AA’s online guidance.