'Worrying levels of safety issues' found in checks

3 hours ago

Tim PageWest Midlands

News image — Warwickshire Police carried out checks on vehicles on the M6

Warwickshire Police A van and flat-bed truck, both white, are pulled up between traffic cones on a stretch of concrete. Two police motorcycles are standing in front of them, while several people in hi-viz examine the vehicles. — Warwickshire Police carried out checks on vehicles on the M6

Drivers have been warned to check for vehicle faults after "worrying levels of safety issues" were uncovered during a police operation on the M6.

Thirteen out of 15 vans and lorries pulled over by officers into Corley Services earlier this month had issues, Warwickshire Police said.

Six were stopped from continuing until they reduced overloading, fixed unsafe loads or replaced bald tyres.

Eight of the drivers were issued with traffic offence reports, half of whose vehicles were seized for having no insurance. Another motorist was detained on suspicion of immigration offences, and "safety and legal compliance advice" was issued to four drivers, the force added.

Warwickshire Police Composite image showing, on the left, a very worn tyre in close-up, and on the right, a white van on a low-loader lorry with a "seized by police" sticker on its side. — The force issued images of some of the faults uncovered and vehicles seized

Insp Wayne Boulton said: "It is extremely concerning that so many light commercial vehicles were found to be in a dangerous condition whilst using high‑speed roads.

"We are asking drivers to ensure both they and their vehicles are safe and legal before setting off on any journey."

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