Police pulled over more than 50 vehicles in north Cumbria in an operation targeting menace motorists and rogue traders.

Offences spotted included lighting defects, tachograph breaches and drivers flouting weight regulations.

The force has been checking vehicles for roadworthiness and signs they were being used for illegal purposes.

A campaign has been running all week, with inspections being carried out at places including a site north of Carlisle.

Police found a problem with “grossly overweight” vans, some packed to the rafters and registering up to 50 per cent more than they should on the scales.

Working with other officials, they have also been looking for signs of crime, such as the transporting of illicit cigarettes, tobacco or alcohol.

PC Shaun McKeown has been carrying out inspections at a check site at Todhills, off the M6.

He said: “From a road safety point of view, we look for any defects.

“When it comes to rogue traders, we’re looking for people moving stuff they shouldn’t be, such as tobacco and alcohol.

“We’ve been finding a lot of light defects, a lot of overweight vehicles.”

PC McKeown said that once vehicles are above a certain weight they are subject to regulations used in the haulage industry.

He said breaking these rules brought up issues of fair play in transport.

PC McKeown added: “It’s also a question of safety.

“A lot of people are running smaller vans that are grossly overweight.

“The vehicle is designed and the brakes are designed to run and work at a certain weight. If you are having to brake suddenly you are not stopping as you are supposed to.

“Some people are getting a box van and filling every single gap.

“We point out the road safety side and explain it’s the difference between being involved in collisions and not involved.

“The majority of people, 99 per cent, are appreciative of what we’ve pointed out to them.”

Lighting defects were found in four cases, while there were 11 vehicles said to be overweight.

Vehicles have been pulled over driven by people from across the country and throughout Europe. Officers on patrol have also been looking out for vehicles.

The operation has been run alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs.