VAN drivers were targeted by police and enforcement agencies in a bid to catch fraudsters, rogue traders and criminals on the A590.

The three-hour crackdown, codenamed Operation Artemis, took place this morning on the A590 between the Elliscales and Crooklands roundabouts near Dalton.

The operation was led by Barrow PC Eric McKinley who said the increased police presence and random checks would "keep motorists on their toes".

Representatives from Trading Standards, Barrow Borough Council's streetcare team and Environmental Health joined police in a multi-agency bid to target criminals using the A590 to travel to Barrow.

PC McKinley said: "As well as carrying out random stop checks to look at the commercial vehicles using the A590 to get to Barrow, we've also got some intelligence to suggest that unscrupulous traders are coming here to target particularly elderly people.

"We've also been on the lookout for specific vehicles which may have been involved in criminal activity so our cameras are picking up number plates to try and identify any of interest."

Council officers were on the lookout for possible fly-tippers, who have been known to transport waste to the area, while all vehicles were checked for the use of red diesel – dyed gas oil for registered agricultural or construction vehicles which carries a significantly reduced tax levy compared to diesel fuel used in ordinary road vehicles.

More than 20 vehicles were pulled over in the first 45 minutes alone and a total of 72 altogether.

Drivers were required to provide their details and the contents, tyres, fuel type and purpose of the vans were inspected by police.

One van from Penrith was suspected of illegally carrying waste as vehicles used to transport any kind of rubbish are required to have a waste carriers' licence.

Two van drivers – one from Chorley and one from Penrith, were suspected of driving without insurance and were issued with notices to provide proof of an insurance policy within seven days.

Intelligence into possible criminal activity was also gathered, and has been passed on to be further investigated.