Armed police have set up stopping stations on the region's roads as part of a Christmas crackdown on terrorism.
The anti-terrorist drive is part of a national campaign called Operation Floodgate which has been set up following the recent terrorist attacks in London and Birmingham.
Officers have been stopping motorists on the region's main network of roads, including the A66 and the A19, in a bid to prevent any future IRA terrorist campaigns on the mainland.
Cleveland, Durham and Tyne and Wear police forces are all taking part in operation which will run until the beginning of January.
Armed police officers have been stopping and searching vehicles throughout the North-East as part of the campaign.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Police forces throughout the UK are undertaking series at ports and in land locations. "This includes high visible policing.
"There have been a number of terrorist attacks in London and Birmingham. "There is a real concern that the present series of terrorist crimes will continue both in the capital and elsewhere in the country."
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