ALMOST 40 lorries were stopped during a crackdown by Dorset Police.

Its traffic unit joined staff from the Environment Agency, Vehicle Operating Standards Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Work and Pensions on Wednesday, January 22, police said.

They stopped 37 vehicles on the A31 and A338 at the Ashley Heath weighbridge.

It was part of a national operation to check HGVs.

In all, 21 offences were detected, including overweight vehicles, lighting, tyre and tachograph offences.

Some drivers were found to be claiming benefits while employed.

PC Heidi Moxam, road casualty reduction co-ordinator, said: “The aim of the day was to identify those heavy goods vehicles that are not complying with legislation in a bid to make the roads of Dorset safer.

“We also detected offences, disrupted criminality and provided reassurance to the public.”