A MAJOR operation aimed at haulage companies running potentially lethal wagons and vans has been hailed a huge success.

In Operation Mermaid, police collected information on firms known to use dangerous and badly maintained vehicles.

As a result, about 40 vehicles were stopped on the M6 in Lancashire and taken to a checkpoint in Samlesbury.

Examiners immediately ordered seven vehicles off the road after finding serious faults.

Problems included faulty brakes, damaged suspension and steering systems.

A further 10 vehicle owners were ordered to do repairs and get their lorries and vans re-tested.

Police also found several lorries without tax and drivers without proper licences.

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