The multi-agency operation saw police join forces with customs officers, fire brigade and Trading Standards staff.

Cars, lorries and vans were pulled over outside Wyevale Garden Centre and given a thorough check.

One Land Rover was found to contain 'red diesel' — low-taxed oil only allowed in certain vehicles — and the driver was given a £500 fine.

Around 25 drivers were stopped for not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving.

They were given the choice of being given a fixed penalty notice or watching a hard-hitting film on road safety.

The graphic five-minute film, which most elected for, showed the potentially fatal consequences of speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using mobile phones while driving.

A police spokesperson said educating drivers on the dangers of motoring offences was just as effective as punishment.

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) slapped 12 prohibition notices on vehicles in a poor condition, such as having bald tyres, and also found five vehicles to be carrying too much weight.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) stopped two drivers over issues with their tax disc while Trading Standards pulled over four gardeners and six builders for spot checks on their paperwork.

Sergeant Ruth Hamilton said, "It was a very productive day which was well received by the public.

"It shows that educating drivers is just as effective as punishment.
"We would also like to thank Wyevale Garden Centre for allowing us to use its premises."

The operation was the last of four in Wealden in September. The others were held at Uckfield, Crowborough and Heathfield.