SIXTY lorries were checked by police at an accident blackspot on the Heysham bypass to make sure they were roadworthy.
Officers involved in Operation HGV carried out stop checks on the A683 bypass at Heysham on February 22 to make sure vehicles coming to and from the port were safe.
Police dealt with two accidents on the bypass last month after two 32-tonne articu
lated lorries overturned due to poorly loaded trailers or insecure loads.
A VOSA check also revealed several faults with one of the vehicles. Each vehicle stopped by officers was taken to a nominated site where a mechanical examination was carried out by VOSA, a fuel examination was carried out by customs and police officers checked any official documents. Vehicles suspected of being overweight were also taken to a weighing station.
Eight HGVs were found to have faults and were issued with immediate prohibition orders.
Fourteen drivers were also given words of advice in relation to their vehicles. One HGV driver was also caught using his mobile phone which, as well as the fixed penalty, will also result in a suspension of his HGV licence by the Traffic Commission.
Eleven other non-HGV drivers were also prosecuted for a variety of offences.
PC Mark Howson of Morecambe Police, said: "It is vitally important that these large vehicles are roadworthy and carrying their loads safely before they set off on their journeys, otherwise it is not only the driver whose life is at risk but also those of other road users."
