MORE than 60 vehicles were stopped by police on a single day in an operation aimed at road traffic offences along the M3.

Officers were strategically placed at intervals along the M3 to monitor the motorway between Southampton and Farnborough on Wednesday, May 17, looking for various offences, including speeding, using mobile phones while driving, driving without insurance, and driving without tax.

The vehicles stopped included 21 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

A total of 25 motorists were fined for various traffic offences, while the camera safety team identified 149 instances of speeding.

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Teams from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit took part in the operation conducted to enhance road safety and deter motorists from committing traffic violations.

In addition, four arrests were made following vehicle stops, with one person arrested on suspicion of drug driving, one person arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, and two people arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

PC Michael Cork, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This was a successful operation with officers and other agencies covering a vast stretch of motorway.

“We carry out these specialist operations to make our roads safer and to stop any motorists committing offences.

“I hope seeing such a robust policing presence on this major route provides reassurance to the public that we are committed to this task and discourages bad driving across our road network.”