By Nick Griffiths

Last updated at 14:06, Thursday, 29 July 2010

Drivers were fined, cars seized and motorists warned during a police crackdown on the A66 in Cumbria.

Officers set out to disrupt the use of the main route by both criminals and rogue drivers, using number plate recognition technology to pinpoint their targets.

Motorists were also randomly pulled over so their cars could be tested for defects that could compromise safety.

The operation led to:

• Three vehicles being stopped from continuing because of defects;
• One motorist being charged with driving while disqualified;
• Six warnings being issued about the condition and use of vehicles;
• Twenty four drivers being fined for offences including speeding, failing to be in control of a vehicle, using mobile phones while driving and driving without a seatbelt.

Police add all those prosecuted, warned or put or under investigation were suspected of being involved in behaviour that could lead to crashes.

“By tackling these issues we hope to make Cumbria’s roads safer,” said Inspector Andy Wilkinson.

Police say all criminals need to get from A to B, putting their work at the forefront of crime fighting.

They teamed up with speed camera operators and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which aims to improve the roadworthiness of vehicles.

The number plate technology used can identify cars known to be associated with crimes as well as vehicles that are not insured or taxed.

Officers also pulled over cars on “an ad-hoc basis” to test for problems during the operation, last Thursday.

Insp Wilkinson is in charge of roads policing in north and west Cumbria.

He added: “Our roads policing officers have two main priorities: reduce the number of road traffic collisions and disrupt criminal use of our road networks.

“By analysing intelligence and information received and by using systems such as automatic number plate recognition, we are able to identify potential criminals at the same time as locating vehicles that may be unfit for use.

“The results of this operation clearly indicate that the tactics employed are effective.

“I would urge people to contact us with information about criminal use of the roads, unsafe vehicles or issues such as drink driving.”

First published at 11:24, Thursday, 29 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk