SPECIAL constables from North Yorkshire and Cleveland Police teamed up to target drink drivers and those driving without tax, insurance and in unworthy vehicles.

Vehicle checks and roadside breath tests were carried out by the specials during Operation Basingstoke at two roadside checkpoints on the A172 near to Stokesley and the A67 near Kirklevington on Saturday, December 8.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR), were used to target vehicles without tax or insurance, as well as conducting checks on tyres and break lights to ensure vehicles were in safe and roadworthy condition, and saw five vehicles seized for driving without tax or insurance.

In total, 14 drivers were breathalysed and 11 vehicles were issued with warnings to provide documentation or repair defects.

Special Inspector Phill Brette of North Yorkshire Police said: "Road safety forms an integral part of policing. The checkpoints enabled officers to deal with drivers who were committing traffic offences and deal with vehicles that were in an unsafe state.

"Everyone has to pay road tax, insurance and ensure they have a valid licence to drive, so why should a small amount of people in society feel they can opt out? These operations are not about persecution, they simply serve to educate drivers and ensure that everyone is driving safely and legally."