MORE than 100 motorists have been stopped as police clamp down on the four biggest dangers facing drivers.

Police caught more than 60 drivers under the influence of drink and drugs, not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones and speeding - on the first day of a road safety operation.

Roads Policing Sergeant Andy Nixon said: “This operation was about educating motorists to help reduce the number of casualties on our roads.

“The operation was particularly pertinent as it came at the end of a week where the roads policing team had dealt with three fatal and numerous other serious collisions.

“While enquiries into the causes of these incidents are ongoing, they do act as a timely reminder of the importance of road safety.”

Roads across Halton and Cheshire were targeted.

Police community safety officers also carried out speed checks on routes where residents had raised concerns.

On one road more than 50 speeding offences were recorded with one motorist travelling in excess of 70mph in a 40mph zone.

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane said: “Road safety is a particularly important issue to the majority of the residents I represent.

“With an increased number of serious incidents on our roads recently, it’s more important than ever that officers are educating motorists about the dangers their careless actions could have.

“One death is too many so it’s crucial that this work by the Constabulary continues.

“I am pleased to be able to fund a dedicated PCSO for each community in Cheshire who will have an increased focus on combating driving offences like speeding in local areas where the community tell us that there are speeding issues.”

Sergeant Nixon added: “This operation was not about issuing fines; the aim was to educate motorists.

“Motor vehicles can be deadly which is why it is so important that everyone drives carefully and adheres to the laws in place, by doing so we can all help to make our roads safer for everyone.”