North West Motorway Police Group day of action

North West Motorway Police

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On Wednesday 23 October the North West Motorway Police Group held a day of action on the region’s motorway network.

Officers targeted criminals using the network to commit cross border crimes and illegal drivers who risk the safety of other road users by driving uninsured or unsafe vehicles.

A total of 224 vehicles were stopped on the day and 47 motorists were breathalysed. Officers identified a total of 102 road traffic offences and seized 39 vehicles.

A stolen motorbike was also recovered.

The day of action involved four North West police forces - Geater  Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside and was supported by officers from West Yorkshire.

The operation also involved Highways Agency and other partner agencies including the Vehicle Operating and Services Agency (VOSA), HMRC and Trading Standards.

The complex network of motorways in the North West are used by thousands of people every day and officers from the North West Motorway Police Group are responsible for keeping the network safe for law abiding road users.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who led the operation, said: “On Wednesday the region's motorway officers came together to demonstrate their commitment to keeping the roads safe for commuters and preventing criminals from making use of the motorways to conduct their illegal activities. 

“Supported by partners from VOSA, HMRC and the Highways Agency Traffic Officer Service (HATOs), the North West Motorway Policing Group was out in force to prevent the criminal use of the network, to tackle unsafe and uninsured vehicles and to provide safety advice to road users.”