Dangerous driving has been targeted by police and Highways England with a crackdown on the M6.

In total, 412 vehicles were stopped, with 387 offences recorded in a week in June.

The vehicle number includes 180 HGVs, drivers of whom were pulled over for various offences.

For example, police officers caught 98 drivers using their mobile phone at the wheel. 

In addition, 100 people were not wearing a seatbelt.

As a result of the crackdown on the M6, fixed penalty notices were issued – and advice offered to others. 

However, more seriously, six arrests were made at the roadside stops. 

A truck with six defective tyres and with an excess load was among the vehicles spotted. 

Therefore, Lancashire Police reported the driver for the traffic offences and the vehicle was taken off the road.

Meanwhile, Cheshire Police caught a van driver – with six points – holding a mobile phone in his hand while driving.

The crackdown on the M6 – the longest motorway in the UK – was called Operation Verebrae.

It involved five police forces: Lancashire; Merseyside; Cheshire; Warwickshire Police and Central Motorway Police Group. 

In addition, the North West Commercial Vehicle Unit and local road safety partnerships also took part.

National Highways head of road safety, Jeremy Phillips, said the goal was to make roads safer.

“It is always disappointing when we learn of drivers putting themselves and others at risk,” he commented. 

“However, through this week of action police were able to halt drivers who could’ve caused collisions.”

Meanwhile, Sergeant Matt Picton, from the North West Commercial Vehicle Unit, highlighted the operation’s importance.

“Having a driving licence comes with great responsibility and those that abuse that will be dealt with accordingly.” 

Continuing, he said: “This operation shows the disregard of some drivers who choose to ignore the rules of the road.”