THREE drivers had to pay �500 fines after being caught running their vehicles on red diesel.

Officers from the Rural Community Action Team seized the vehicles in a day of action at Cheffins Machinery Sales in Sutton on Monday (July 4). They were handed back after the on-the-spot fines were paid. Two other drivers were given words of advice after traces of red diesel were found in their fuel tanks.

A total of 317 vehicles were tested at the agricultural sales auction in the clampdown run by police, HMRC Road Fuel Testing unit, Ely Neighbourhood Policing Team and East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Four vehicles were stopped for having no insurance – two were seized and one forfeited at the scene. Four drivers were fined for not wearing a seatbelt, seven fines were issued for number plate offences and another driver fined for driving with no tax.

PC Darren Clarke said: “This was a hugely successful operation which sent out a clear message that Cambridgeshire Police will not tolerate those trying to avoid paying duty on fuel and using vehicles in an un-roadworthy condition.”