Suffolk Constabulary’s Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU) teamed up with Immigration Enforcement on Saturday, 9 August to carry out targeted checks on drivers working in the gig economy, including those providing food delivery services.

Patrols were conducted across Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket, with officers stopping and inspecting a total of 34 vehicles—including vans, cars, mopeds, and pedal cycles.

One driver was arrested on suspicion of breaching Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971 for working while disqualified from doing so. The individual, a food delivery driver, is set for immediate removal from the UK. A second driver was identified as having an outstanding asylum appeal. Further enquiries are ongoing in line with the appeal process.

Additional enforcement actions included:

• 2 drivers reported for no insurance

• 1 driver reported for no Vehicle Excise Licence (tax)

• 2 drivers reported for not wearing seatbelts

• Several drivers were advised regarding contravening the pedestrian zone on St Andrews Street, Bury St Edmunds

• 1 driver reported for displaying incorrect number plates and having a noisy exhaust