POLICE have tackled more than 70 traffic offences carried out by lorry drivers on Cheshire’s motorways during a week-long crackdown.

Officers used a lorry of their own to patrol key routes around the county, making it possible for them to catch out lorry drivers committing offences.

These included the ‘fatal five’ of careless driving, speeding, driving while using a mobile phone, drink or drug driving, and not wearing a seatbelt.

In total, 74 traffic offence reports were issued, including 43 for drivers not wearing a seatbelt, 25 for drivers not in proper control of their vehicle and 13 for drivers using their phone.

Insp Anton Sullivan, of Cheshire Police’s roads and crime unit, said: “Sadly, there are some drivers who think it’s acceptable to break the law and believe that they can get away with driving without wearing their seatbelts or whist using their mobile phone or otherwise distracted from driving.

“This vehicle is a valuable tool as it allows officers to have an elevated view enabling them to see exactly what is going on inside the cab of a lorry and to identify any offences which wouldn’t normally be seen from a patrol car.”

Some drivers were stopped at the roadside and dealt with, while others were given strict advice to on the importance of being safe on the roads, especially given the additional risks driven such large vehicles.

Insp Sullivan added: “I hope that the operation acts as a deterrent to lorry drivers, promotes safer roads and reiterates the fact that nobody is above the law, literally.

“The operation may have concluded but officers will be continuing to use such vehicles to patrol the road network across the county.”

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: “Making our roads safer is a critical issue for all communities across Cheshire and one of my top priorities.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Most people will have been affected at some time by injury or death caused by road traffic collisions.

“Enforcement on our roads is a vital tool in making sure that our loved ones return home to us safe and well.

“There have been too many tragic deaths and serious injuries on Cheshire’s roads and motorways and I welcome any initiative that will help save lives and keep us safe."