Cheshire's Roads and Crime Unit (RCU) have been tackling HGV speeding and other offences as part of a 12-day operation focusing on keeping our county's roads safe.

Officers from the Roads and Crime Unit have been out in out in force across Cheshire's motorways over the past two weeks as part of an operation ensuring HGV's drive safely through the county.

The operation, known as "Operation Tramline", forms part of the force's ongoing efforts to improve safety for all road users and saw officers use an unmarked HGV to patrol roads and motorways - identifying any offences committed by drivers.

During the 12-day operation that ran from Monday 17th July and Friday 28th July, RCU patrols monitored motorists on the M6, M62 and M56, focusing particularly on Fatal 5 offences (careless driving, speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone whilst driving and not wearing a seatbelt) along with uninsured drivers and those with vehicles linked to crimes.

As a result of the operation, officers issued 145 traffic reports for a variety of offences which included; not wearing seat belts, the use of mobile phones whilst driving and driving without insurance.

In addition, 54 graduated fixed penalty notices were issued to drivers for offences including the use of mobile phones, improperly secured trailer loads and loads exceeding specified weight limits.

A 25-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of burglary after officers intercepted a car linked to an incident in Crewe. He has since released on unconditional bail.

One male driver was also arrested on junction 17 of the M6 following a pursuit and controlled stop.

Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, Head of the force's Roads and Crime Unit, said: "This operation was launched on some of Cheshire's busiest motorways with the intention of observing and ensuring HGV drivers travel safety through our Cheshire community.

"It was great to see so many drivers driving at the correct speed limits and with due care and attention. Speeding in particular can have devastating consequences, not only does it increase the risk of collisions occurring, but can amplify the severity of those that do take place, and in the worst-case scenario, it can be fatal.

"We will continue to do all we can to encourage hauliers to drive safely and I hope the operation conducted over the past twelve days sends a strong message that we will not hesitate to act against those individuals set on flouting the rules of the road and who think the law doesn't apply to them."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said: "Operation Tramline demonstrates the commitment to making Cheshire's roads safer, as outlined in my Police and Crime Plan, and highlights that no driver is above the law - whatever vehicle they are driving. 

"My thanks go to all the officers involved in this operation, the results are fantastic and will contribute to making our county's roads safer, for everyone."

If you have any information in relation to dangerous driving or speeding, please contact us via cheshire.police.uk/tell-us or call 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously via CrimeStoppers.