Police deny persecuting

Julie Spence, head of Cambridgeshire Police, said such operations "invariably" attracted critics. But she said the range of offenders picked up during roadside checks "never ceased to surprise her".

She was speaking after an "action day" in Cambridgeshire – which featured more that 100 officers – resulted in 10 people being arrested, 34 vehicles seized and 76 fixed penalty notices issued in eight hours.

"I can understand why people might wonder whether we would be better off out catching criminals rather than persecuting drivers. I've no doubt that you've heard such comments before," said Mrs Spence in an internet podcast.

"The fact is that we are catching criminals. Among the arrested alone were one wanted person, two going equipped to commit crime, one with an offensive weapon and one over the drink-drive limit."