Authorities in Newport discovered indicators of contemporary servitude while conducting a road safety initiative.

Last week, various agencies collaborated on an operation in Newport, bringing together Roads Policing Officers, Gwent Police’s Roads Policing and Dog Section, Newport City Council’s Public Protection and Trading Standards divisions, the Driver & Vehicle Standards agency, and Natural Resources Wales.

The activity, designated Operation Absorb, examined vehicle faults, verified paperwork for drivers and vehicles, confirmed roadworthiness, and checked authorisations for transporting materials such as waste or scrap metal.

Throughout the operation, numerous vehicles underwent inspection, leading to various enforcement measures.

Two vehicles were taken out of service as they failed to meet road safety requirements, while four vehicles were flagged for transporting loads that were not properly secured and could pose a hazard.

Two motorists accumulated penalty points and were fined for operating vehicles with severely worn tyres.

Eight vehicles were prevented from departing the location until required modifications were completed to establish they were safe for the road, and three vehicles were confiscated because of mechanical faults.

Furthermore, two unregistered traders were discovered, with enquiries now proceeding, and a single instance of contemporary servitude was identified, prompting a separate investigation that remains active.

Further information regarding this operation can be found on the Gwent Police website.