M-way blitz on dangerous lorries
POLICE will be patrolling motorways around Runcorn and Widnes to ensure that commercial hauliers are travelling safely.
Officers in Cheshire will be taking part in a national week of action supported by the North West Motorway Police Group.
It will be running until Sunday, February 26, after starting on Monday.
A Cheshire police spokesman said that officers would be out and about, ensuring that lorries are complying with the relevant construction and use legislation and European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage Of Dangerous Goods By Road.
The legislation allows dangerous goods to be transported in vehicles that meet certain criteria.
PC Martyn Campbell said: “We’ll be targeting commercial vehicles which could be dangerously transporting hazardous materials on our roads. Our week of action will help to drive home the message that not complying with legislation is potentially dangerous to other road users and com- ● pletely unacceptable.
“Drivers of suspect vehicles will be checked to ensure they have the appropriate paperwork and equipment to deal with any issues. We’ll also be ensuring drivers are complying with the drivers’ hours legislation and that they are taking suitable breaks.”
Vehicles with serious immediate issues will be stopped from continuing their journey in accordance with the Health And Safety At Work Act 1973.
The Health And Safety Executive will be notified of any serious breaches.
Assistant Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “It’s vital for all road users that any hazardous goods are being carried safely.
“If things go wrong it can have a massive impact on the road network and can be a lengthy, potentially dangerous and complicated clear up process.
“By checking that commercial enterprises are transporting any hazardous materials through Cheshire legally, the impact is minimised.
“The legislation is there for a reason and it’s crucial that it’s adhered to.”
Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “During my conversations with Cheshire residents, road safety has been something that has come up time and time again as a priority for policing in the county.
“When we think of dangers on our roads most of us think of things like drink driving, or using a mobile phone, or maybe speeding, but checking HGVs are adhering to such legislation plays an important part in keeping our roads safe.
“I’m sure our communities will be reassured to see the wide ranging work the constabulary does alongside its partners to ensure our roads are safer.”