A LORRY driver, carrying a tanker full of flammable chemicals which was not properly secured, was issued a defect notice in a series of stop checks carried out by police in Bromsgrove.

Officers from the road safety unit held spot checks at the Lydiate Ash traffic island on Wednesday, June 19. Forty-nine vehicles were stopped and nine were given immediate prohibition notices for faulty brakes, defective tyres and electrical faults.

These notices mean the vehicle must be repaired immediately and the driver cannot continue the journey until the work has been completed. Fifteen vehicles were given defect notices for minor problems including faulty tyres, bodywork fittings and air suspension leaks.

PC Rob Thomas said: "Once again we worked closely with the Vehicle Inspectorate and believe this was another successful spot check.

"To discover a lorry, which was carrying a flammable chemical, was not attached properly to the unit is very worrying.

"That tanker could have come free at any time and the consequences would have been very serious, possibly fatal. I believe these checks are a vital part of our work in order to ensure the road is safe for all users," he added.

Further road checks are planned for July.