Drivers of dangerous goods came under the spotlight of enforcement agencies in East Anglia last month – with one trucker found not to own an HGV licence.

Essex police teamed up with Norfolk and Suffolk constabularies, as well as the DVSA, to check on compliance, safe loading, packing and roadworthiness of ADR vehicles.

Lorries passing through the force areas included carriage of pesticides, flammable liquids, building materials, agricultural machinery and items used in the hospitality industry.

Over four days, a total of 86 vehicles were checked - 60 HGVs, 24 LGVs and two cars.

Out of 41 vehicles used in the carriage of dangerous goods, 20 were all in order, but four drivers were issued penalty notices, 16 drivers were given warnings or advice and one incident will require further enquiries regarding a radioactive shipment.

Commercial vehicles were also stopped for a variety of offences involving their load security and vehicle condition: 12 for being overweight, eight insecure loads and eight drivers not wearing seatbelts.

Sergeant Jason Dearsley of Essex police said: “We’re also concerned about the welfare of drivers - tiredness kills – drivers need time to rest, and their driving hours are legally set out.

“Unfortunately, we had to intervene after we found 10 drivers were driving outside their driver hours, meaning they could put themselves at risk through lower levels of concentration caused by driving for too long without a break.

“Unbelievably, one HGV was being driven by a driver without an HGV licence.

“There is no excuse for this risky behaviour.”

Source: Commercial Motor