Police took part in a joint operation today to tackle drivers illegally using unroadworthy vehicles.

Officers patrolled the A590 between Elliscales roundabout and Lindal from 8am and 1pm.

Cumbria police worked alongside staff from the Operator Services Agency, checking vehicles travelling through the area were doing so legally and were roadworthy.

Approximately 108 vehicles were stopped during the course of the operation.

Of those, six drivers were issued with vehicle tickets by the police, and six prohibitions were issued by the Driver & Vehicle Standard Agency.

Those drivers dealt with by police included a man in his 30s, driving a Ford Combo vehicle.

He received a ticket for two defective tyres.

Police also stopped and issued a ticket to another man in his 30s, driving a Land Rover Freelander for having no M.O.T on his vehicle.

Two Ford Transit Vans were also stopped, one driven by a man in his 40’s and the other driven by a man in his 50’s.

Both men received a ticket for using a mobile phone whilst driving.

In 2016, tougher sentences were introduced for people who are caught using mobile phones whilst driving.

Anyone caught using a phone whilst at the wheel can now be given six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Drivers caught doing so within the first two years of passing their driving test will have their licence taken away.

Inspector Andy Travis said: “Today’s operation was part of officer training and such operations are carried out routinely to reinforce a message regarding using the road safely and the continuous professional development of students.”

“It is testimony to those using Cumbria’s roads that from 108 stops, that such a small number needed to be dealt with for offences.

“The majority of people using the roads are doing so lawfully, but Cumbria Police will continue to identify those who don’t.”