TWELVE vehicles were taken off the road as part of a crackdown on unsafe and illegal motoring.

Gwent Police joined forces with the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) and Monmouthshire County Council to check more than 40 vehicles and their drivers in Abergavenny.

And 12 that were in such an unsafe condition were immediately impounded as part of the joint operation earlier this month, dubbed Operation Utah.

In all 42 vehicles were inspected, with a total of 19 traffic offences recorded – including mobile phone use, invalid MOT and insecure loads.

No less than 24 roadworthiness prohibitions were issued where vehicles have been or will be taken off the road.

In 10 cases, notices were issued for drivers to rectify vehicle defects, while four vehicles were seized for no insurance or the car being untaxed, with two people reported for driving without tax.

Four taxis were also dealt with for licence breaches, while five parking tickets were issued by the council.

The day of action included local neighbourhood officers and Gwent Police’s roads policing unit and dog section.

PC Elliot Morgan said: “Those who choose to break the law on our roads, driving vehicles that aren’t roadworthy, not only put themselves at risk but other road users too.

“Focused operations such as this see significant results in increasing safety. In this instance, 12 vehicles, which were not safe to drive, were immediately taken off the road.

“Driving irresponsibly, or not maintaining the condition of your vehicle, is not acceptable and, together with our partners, we will continue to target those who break the law in this way.”

Anyone who is concerned about unroadworthy vehicles or cars being driven illegally can call Gwent Police on 101 or DM then on Facebook or Twitter.