Danger lorries taken off road in new blitz

Dangerous lorries are being taken off the road in a specialist operation by police and transport managers.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) are on the final day of a three-day clampdown on dangerous trucks to keep Greater Manchester roads safe.

The operation which ends today led to 60 drivers being stopped on the first day. A third were committing offences.

Legislation was introduced this year which allows police to take deposits at the roadside of up to £900 from foreign lorry drivers who commit offences in this country.

Local, national and international lorries are being stopped on the motorway network and taken to the Trafford Centre car park.

Insp Martin O’Connor, from the Greater Manchester motorway enforcement team, said: “The main issues we face from lorry drivers are tachograph offences, where the driver has not had the legally required rest that they need to drive safely. Other offences include overweight lorries and vehicle defects.

“All of these offences mean that the driver and the truck become a danger to other road users.

“We are here to ensure the safety of those who use the area’s roads wherever possible. By clamping down on these illegal lorries we send a message to haulage companies that these offences will not be tolerated.”