OFFICERS have taken part in a national campaign targeting commercial vehicle safety, resulting in dozens of offences being identified and four arrests.

The two-week initiative focused on ensuring commercial vehicles are safe, legally compliant and not putting other road users at risk.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team and Commercial Vehicle Unit carried out proactive checks, including two targeted enforcement days alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Police say every commercial vehicle driver has a responsibility to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy, loads are secure and legal requirements are met.

Unsafe or overweight loads can cause significant harm if a vehicle is involved in a collision, particularly if items become loose and fall into the road.

During the operation, 64 motorists were dealt with for offences including driving without insurance or a valid MOT, carrying insecure or overweight loads, speeding, using a mobile phone, exceeding drivers’ hours and having a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Four drivers were arrested after reportedly being found over the drug-drive limit.

Three vehicles were seized and five were prohibited from continuing their journeys.

Dorset Police’s Camera Safety Team also identified 81 commercial vehicles travelling above the speed limit during the same period.

Sgt Dave Cotterill said: “This targeted work was carried out as part of our continuous efforts to keep the roads safe and reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

“Sadly, some commercial vehicle drivers are insistent on ignoring the regulations and believe they do not apply to them.

“One company was stopped for the third time and we have engaged directly with them and arranged education with all their drivers, meaning safer roads for us and no impact on their business for them.

“During these weeks, we located and arrested a man who was wanted for unrelated offences, demonstrating how we are committed to being tough on crime.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – if you have concerns about a road user, please report them to us by visiting www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “These results show why road safety campaigns like this are still so important.

“There is no excuse for any of the behaviour displayed by these drivers during this initiative and I hope it sends a very clear warning we will not be tolerate anything which puts road users in Dorset at risk.”