Police conduct M5 caravan safety operation

Vehicles were directed off the M5 and to Exeter services

Campervans and caravans have been targeted by police in a vehicle safety operation.

Earlier, as part of Operation Caravan the roads policing team directed vehicles on the M5 to Exeter services for inspection by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) staff.

The team checked whether they were loaded safely, within the weight limit and in a roadworthy condition.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras were also targeting those driving without valid insurance.

Vehicles were inspected by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency staff

Sgt Owen Messenger said: "Obviously if it's loaded incorrectly then that affects the handling of it on the road.

"A lot of caravans sit around for 11 months of the year and then they're brought out to go on holiday, and it's about checking that the tyres are properly maintained, and serviced properly.

"To breakdown or something worse than that on the main arterial network means it's about £1m an hour cost to the local economy if we have to close that road," he said.

Sharne Dodds, from Cornwall, had her motorhome checked as part of the operation, and was supportive of it, and described it as "no problem".

"At the end of the day I think it's a good thing they are doing.

"Any sort of health and safety checks are good, aren't they?"

Devon and Cornwall Police said it recommended all motorists checked their vehicles before setting off.