Nine lorries and vans were grounded for being unroadworthy in safety checks.

Three others were stopped for being overweight, another had an insecure load and nine drivers were prosecuted for driving over their hours.

These were the results of a multi-agency road check on the M20 at Folkestone on Wednesday (July 24) when a total 38 lorries and vans were looked over.

They were examined by Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit and other law enforcement agencies.

The force’s Commercial Vehicle Unit was joined by colleagues from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), which enforces roadworthiness.

The checks were also to looking out for stolen goods and illegal immigrants.

Insp Paul Sellwood, of the Road Policing Unit,. said: “As Kent is the gateway to both the UK and Europe it is vital to takes these opportunities to disrupt criminal networks and ensure commercial vehicles driven through Kent to all parts of the country are acting in accordance with the Road Traffic Legislation.

“Removing dangerous vehicle from the road network has made it safer for all UK road users.”

The results of the checks were:

• Nine vehicles immediately prohibited because they were not roadworthy.
• Three vehicles issued with delayed prohibitions to allow for them to be repaired.
• Nine foreign nationals prosecution because they had driven over their legal hours limit.
• Three goods vehicles being given a prohibition order because they were overweight.
• One vehicle found to have an insecure load.
• A total 10 fixed penalty notice issued.

The operation overall was to find unroadworthy and dangerous foreign lorries plus stolen goods including heavy machinery and equipment.

It was also to root out bogus workmen, illegal immigrants and people smugglers, vehicle defects, fraudulent offences, overweight vehicles and drink and drug driving.