Lorry driving crackdown launched

Half of all lorry drivers in Northern Ireland regularly commit a serious driving offence or their vehicle has a serious mechanical defect.

This is according to an investigation carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Its findings have prompted the licensing body to launch a crack-down on lorry drivers breaking the law.

"We are finding vehicles with poorly maintained brakes or no brakes in some instances," said the DVA's John Martin.

"And sometimes drivers are driving upwards of 20 hours without sufficient breaks, so there is a significant road safety issue for members of the public."