Police in Cheshire said it was disappointed at the number of trucks it stopped on the M6 that were operating illegally.
The force’s commercial vehicle unit was tackling dangerous driving earlier this month as part of Operation Rule, which was launched following the death of 11-year-old Harry Dennis.
The boy suffered fatal injuries after a scaffolding plank went through the windscreen of his family’s car.
The plank had been improperly secured to a van travelling in front of Dennis and his family.
Officers stopped 31 vehicles and issued tickets for a variety of offences which included insecure loads and excess weight.
This included ladders, wheelbarrows, pipes and cement mixers. The team stopped vehicles registered in the UK and foreign registered HGVs during the day of action, as well as a number of light goods vehicles. 45% of all vehicles stopped were non-compliant with the law.
One driver was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences.
Chief Inspector John Forshaw of Cheshire police said: “This operation was launched on some of Cheshire's busiest motorways with the intention of observing and ensuring drivers travel safety through our Cheshire community.
“However, it was really disappointing to see how many vehicles were non-compliant with the law, which highlights just how important these days of action are in keeping our roads safe.”
