HUNDREDS of vans and lorries were stopped during a police crackdown.

Over the three days, more than 400 commercial vehicles were stopped and initially inspected for general road worthiness.

Road stops took place on the the A32 south of Alton, near Ropley, the A337 near Brockenhurst in the New Forest and the A30 at Blackbushe.

Waste carrier licences were checked with a view to targeting suspected fly-tipping and vehicles were tested for the use of red diesel.

One detection of red diesel from a flatbed lorry was made and overall four fixed penalty notices were issued by police for expired MOTs.

A number of other vehicle defects were picked up, with advisory notices issued.

In addition, one man was arrested for possession of cannabis.

Sergeant Andrew Williams, from Country Watch, said: “These multi-agency operations play a key part in our efforts to tackle a range of rural crimes.

“I am grateful to our many partners for their involvement in these and future activities.

“We will continue to work together across rural parts of Hampshire to tackle all types of criminality.”

During the operation Hampshire Police worked with local councils, the Environment Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, and the DVLA.