TWO motorists were slapped with �500 fines for using illegal fuel when rural police held an action day in Fenland. Officers from the Rural Crime Action Team teamed up with Her Majesty s Revenue and Customs fuel testers yesterday (Tuesday) for stop checks

TWO motorists were slapped with �500 fines for using illegal fuel when rural police held an action day in Fenland.

Officers from the Rural Crime Action Team teamed up with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs fuel testers yesterday (Tuesday) for stop checks along the A605 in Whittlesey and along the A141 at Ring's End.

In total 50 vehicles were stopped and two vehicles were discovered to be running on illegal fuel. Both of the vehicles were Ford Transit vans. One of them was running on red diesel and the other on kerosene.

The drivers were fined �500 each.

Sgt Chris Balmer, of the Rural Crime Action Team, said: "We were surprised to find out how many people were pleased to see us, making comments about how everyone should be expected to pay the same amount for fuel.

"We will be looking to hold similar events in the future in an effort to reassure the rural community and protect those making an honest living in the county.