An operation to tackle fly-tipping and rogue traders came to the streets of Harpenden this week.

Fifty-five vehicles were stopped by Herts police during the multi-agency initiative along Redbourn Lane on May 22 - of those, two were uninsured, one driver was using a mobile phone, and one person was driving with a provisional licence and no L plates.

Following the operation, the DVSA is now leading two prosecutions for overloaded vehicles and numerous prohibition notices have been issued.

Nine drivers are now being investigated by The Environment Agency and five are being prosecuted for waste carrying.

A £300 fine was also issued for an offence related to a tacograph, which is a fitted device that records speed, distance and the driver's activity.

The operation was led by the Harpenden and St Albans Safer Neighbourhood Teams alongside Trading Standards, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Environmental Health and St Albans district council.

St Albans Neighbourhood Insp Andy Wiseman said: "This was a multi-agency operation to deal with rogue traders and people who fly-tip in Harpenden.

"Without these operations, vehicles would be travelling uninsured and be dangerously overloaded.

"We want to send a clear message to people who flout the law that we will catch up with you and you may have your vehicle seized or face prosecution."

As part of the initiative, Trading Standards advised businesspeople how to anonymously report illegal behaviour.

Senior trading standards officer, Yvonne Bartlett, said: "This was a very well run and productive event.

"Networking with other agencies also means we can work together to hopefully prevent fly-tipping and rogue trading happening in the community.

"This will make residents of the St Albans district safer."

Anyone who spots fly-tipping taking place should contact police on 999.

Anything discovered after the event should be reported to SADC on 01727 809019 or at wastemanagementservices@stalbans.gov.uk