ALMOST 300 motorists were nabbed by police for a string of motoring and other offences in the first ever crackdown on travelling criminals along the entire length of the M5.

Scores of officers from seven forces took part in the two-day Operation Unity which saw 291 motorists dealt with between West Bromwich and Exeter – including Oldbury, Quinton and Halesowen.

Seventy were stopped for speeding offences, 54 were issued with fixed penalty notices for using their phone at the wheel and 35 were pulled over for not wearing their seatbelts.

Superintendent Paul Keasey, who led the operation, said: "We are delighted with the results of this operation, which saw 79 drivers dealt with on the M5 in the West Mercia and West Midlands force areas. "Recent intelligence indicates the M5 is a vital route for many different members of the criminal community, allowing them to traffic people, convey drugs, transport stolen goods and deliver vehicles following car key burglaries."

He added: "We hope this operation sends a clear message to them that we will act on the information we receive from the public and we will take whatever action necessary to disrupt their activities.

"We also hope it raises the awareness of the ‘fatal five’ offences, namely dangerous and careless driving, mobile phones, speeding, seatbelts, drink and drug driving, and makes drivers think more carefully about their actions, helping to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads."

As part of the operation, 11 people were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences. Notable arrests included two men over vehicle thefts.

It was the first time officers from West Mercia, West Midlands and Staffordshire forces, the newly-formed Tri-force Operations of Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire forces and Devon and Cornwall Police had worked together as one to police the M5.