SCORES of lorry drivers are today facing prosecution after a series of checks found dozens were on Suffolk's roads illegally.Police and the vehicle inspectorate have joined forces in an ongoing crackdown against those exceeding speed, weight and driver hour limits.

SCORES of lorry drivers are today facing prosecution after a series of checks found dozens were on Suffolk's roads illegally.

Police and the vehicle inspectorate have joined forces in an ongoing crackdown against those exceeding speed, weight and driver hour limits.

Large goods vehicles on three of the county's major roads - the A14, A12 and A11- have been targeted as part of Operation Tyson

Acting chief inspector Joy Mayhew, of the roads policing unit, said: "We're surprised the number of people not complying is so high.

"The message in Suffolk is the safety of the drivers and the members of the public is paramount. These laws are there for the public's safety and are to be complied with so people aren't endangered."

Officers have been stopping vehicles at random throughout July and are continuing to do so this month.

One check, carried out on the A14 at Risby, found just under half of the 50 vehicles stopped were breaking the law.

Ch insp Mayhew said the operation was launched in response to intelligence and a number of accidents involving large goods vehicles.

She added: "We don't want to hold up the drivers for unnecessary reasons but we will stop them if we think they are breaking the law.

"We are looking to enforce the legislation rather than cautioning anybody."

Anyone wishing to report an illegal driver can do so by calling Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.