A DVSA crackdown has found that one in 10 vehicles had the most dangerous mechanical issues.
The news comes following a day of action by DVSA, National Highways and also local police forces.
The defects covered a range of components on trucks that were subjected to roadside checks.
For example, problems with steering, suspension and wheels were reported.
In addition, tyres and brakes were also found to be not roadworthy in some cases.
All are parts that affect driver’s control, therefore could have resulted in a serious injury, argues DVSA.
The DVSA crackdown, which happened on 29th September, targeted vehicles from Edinburgh to Dover and Glasgow to Plymouth.
Meanwhile, there were 83 deliberate or negligent traffic offences recorded.
These included falsification of documents, licence issues and no operator licences.
Drivers’ hours offences and carrying excess weight were also recorded.
In total, 410 HGVs and 109 LCVs were checked.
From those vehicles, 150 prohibitions were handed out.
DVSA’s director of enforcement, Marian Kitson, underlined the importance of the initiative.
“The results of this operation serve as a reminder of the risks associated with cutting corners on road safety,” she said.
“DVSA is here to support those who operate safely and legal.
“Therefore, we want to ensure they are not disadvantaged by dangerous and reckless road users.”
Meanwhile, Commander Kyle Gordon of National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Roads Policing Operations said some drivers were endangering people’s lives.
“We welcome the opportunity to identify those drivers who would put themselves and others at that risk, which is totally unacceptable.”
Finally, Mark Cartwright, from National Highways, urged everyone to play their part in raising standards.
“The majority of drivers and operators abide by the law, but a small minority do not.
“Those who put themselves and others at risk can expect to be caught.”
