HEAVY goods vehicles came under the spotlight as part of a road safety operation across Cheshire.

The two-week operation focused on lorries using motorways and main roads across the county to ensure commercial hauliers were travelling safely on the local road network.

Officers used an unmarked HGV to patrol key routes allowing them to identify any offences carried out by lorry drivers.

In total, 115 fines were issued during the operation, which ran from April 13 to 27.

Of those, Cheshire Police say that 87 went to motorists who were not wearing seatbelts, 14 to drivers who were not in proper control of the vehicles and 12 to those who were using their mobile phones whilst driving.

CI Steve Griffiths said: “Sadly, there are some drivers who think it is acceptable to break the law and believe that they can get away with driving without wearing their seatbelts or whist using their mobile phone.

“The unmarked HGV 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 would not normally be seen from a patrol car.”

Two drivers were also arrested - one who was wanted in connection with a theft and a second who was unfit to drive through drugs.

Some drivers were stopped at the roadside and dealt with and others will be receiving a letter in the post advising them of the fine and the reason why.

Steve added: “I hope that the operation acts as a warning to lorry drivers and reiterates the fact that nobody is above the law.

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