TWO men were arrested on suspicion of fraud during a road policing initiative involving three of the region's forces.

They were arrested at Scotch Corner, in North Yorkshire, on Friday, May 20, as part of Operation Mermaid, which involved officers from North Yorkshire Police, as well as the Cleveland and Durham specialist operations unit.

One of the men, a 38-year-old from Middlesbrough, was using a forged Lithuanian driving licence.

He has been charged with driving without a licence, using a false licence and driving without a valid test certificate or insurance.

He is due to appear at Northallerton Magistrates' Court next week.

The other man, aged 25, from Leeds, was stopped by officers as the vehicle he was driving was overweight.

Following further questioning from officers the man was arrested on suspicion of using a forged licence.

He has been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

In total, traffic officers identified 27 offences relating to the 41 vehicles they stopped during the operation.

Offences ranged from defective tyres and brake lights to drivers not taking their required breaks and using faulty tachographs.

Traffic Constable Paul Moon, of North Yorkshire Police's Road Policing Group, said: "The main reason why we run operations such as these is to ensure the safety of all road users in the region.

"Even the slightest defect can contribute to a serious collision and we have to ensure that lorry drivers are aware of the law and are keeping their vehicles up to scratch.

"Drivers also have a responsibility to take their required rest periods not only for their own safety but for the safety of all motorists.

"We are here to help drivers of large vehicles understand the law but we will take appropriate action if regulations are being breached."