THE Scottish National Party campaign in Berwickshire took a huge step forward last week when their candidate, Paul Wheelhouse was formally adopted at a special general meeting in Jedburgh.
Northumbria Police joined forces with their counterparts from Lothian and Borders Constabulary in a day-long operation patrolling the A1 between the outskirts of Newcastle and Dalkeith in Scotland.
The checks, which were also supported by the Veh
icle and Operator and Services Agency (VOSA), used a combination of marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, along with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cars in Northumberland.
A total of 34 fixed penalty tickets were issued to drivers, one person was arrested for drink-driving and a number of others reported for having incorrect documentation or faulty vehicles.
Chief Inspector Simon Packham, of Northumberland area command, said: "It is a well-known fact criminals use roads to carry out much of their activity - from burglary and theft to drug dealing.
"The A1 in the county is a major link between England and Scotland and through high-profile policing and intelligence gathering operations like this with our partners, we can effectively disrupt and deter crime.
"Innocent motorists have nothing to worry about, we are only interested in those who use the roads for illegal purposes or have little regard for others. Vehicles without a tax disc or MOT certificate are more likely to be in a dangerous condition, uninsured and a risk to other motorists."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This joint operation is an excellent example of what close co-operation between neighbouring forces can achieve.
"Criminals are willing to travel long distances in order to carry out crime, and it is vital that forces work together to deter and prevent these people from carrying out their activities.
"We look forward to continued co-operation with Northumbria Police."
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