Merseyside Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have launched a clampdown on road crime in the Mersey Tunnels.
More than 260 vehicles were stopped by Tunnels Police overnight on Friday 11th December during "Operation Mercury", which targets illegal taxi drivers, dangerous cars and drink drivers.
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said: "The safety and security of drivers using the tunnels is paramount. This is an important operation and one that supports the high visibility patrols of our Tunnel Police force.
"Illegal drivers and drink drivers are not welcome. The two tunnels are some of the safest stretches of road in the country and we want to keep them that way."
Mersey Tunnels Police issued one fixed penalty notice for tyre offences and two stop notices for potential insurance offences.
During the operation 14 drivers were breathalysed; all passed; and 174 drivers were questioned in relation to the national drink drive campaign.
VOSA issued nine immediate prohibition notices; one delayed prohibition notice and launched one prosecution for vehicles deemed unroadworthy because of defects or faults.
UK Border and Immigration Officers investigated nine suspected illegal immigrants with one investigation pending.
Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel added: "The Mersey Tunnels have an extremely good safety record and this project is a great example of agencies working together to tackle crime and enforce the laws that are there to protect us.
"We have spent millions of pounds upgrading and improving both tunnels, including the new escape chambers in Queensway. It is important our enforcement matches that commitment."
Bob, Liverpool, England around 2 years, 5 months ago