Police say they are disappointed with the results

Checks carried out in the south of the county on Tuesday showed 68% of the HGVs examined, or their drivers, failed to meet legal requirements.

The force joined the Vehicle Inspectorate, tachograph examiners, the omissions unit and a portable weighbridge, to carry out five hours' of HGV checks near Warminster.

Police said 50 vehicles were stopped, out of which 24 received prohibitions for mechanical defects like faulty brakes, tyres and suspension.

Another five were overladen and were also prohibited, while a further three drivers were found to be over their tachograph limit and were prohibited from driving.

'Fatal collisions'

An additional two vehicles would be reported for lacking an operator's licence, a spokesman said.

A camera also recorded 37 speeding HGV drivers, who will all receive penalties through the post, he added.

PC Ian Soulsby said: "We want to make vehicles and drivers safe to travel on our roads.

"HGVs have an obligation to be legal and, especially in light of the recent fatal collisions involving lorries on the A36, the police will do all they can to drive this message home."