A NUMBER of HGV drivers were stopped in Hopwood last week as part of police checks.

Mercia Police took part in a multi-agency check at Hopwood Park Services.

They were checking goods vehicles between 3.5 tonne and 44 tonne, to ensure they are in a roadworthy condition.

The vehicles were stopped travelling to and from Redditch along the M42 through Worcestershire.

Checks included the driver's hours, operators licences, loads being carried, a road-worthy mechanical inspection and a test to make sure the correct fuel was being used.

In total, between 10am and 1.15pm, 11 vehicles were stopped and among those there were a couple of minor offences such as no insurance or issues with Goods Vehicle Documentation, none of the vehicles were prohibited.

Chief inspector Damian Pettit said: "Working alongside HMRC and DVSA means we can check each one thoroughly and it acts as a clear warning to HGV drivers and companies that we will take the necessary action to ensure the safety of other road users.

"These inspections are also a clear warning to criminals that we are proactively looking out for any suspicious or stolen vehicles."