GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) is urging motorists to think twice about their actions behind the wheel – especially those driving for work.

The force has witnessed speeding, driver behaviour and vehicle maintenance playing a part in an increase in the number of road users and pedestrians being killed or seriously injured.

And GMP is backing the National Police Chiefs' Council – One Road One Week campaign, which runs until Sunday with a focus on motorists driving for work.

GMP is organising a number of roadside operations throughout the week.

Chief Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: "We are doing a series of targeted roadside operations across the force as we look to reduce driving offences while ensuring people stay safe on our roads.

"Deaths on our roads are tragic and many accidents can be completely avoidable by driving carefully, to the conditions on the road and following the laws that are in place to protect us all.

"My officers will be out using a range of enforcement measures including roadside stops, mobile speed vans and automatic number plate recognition technology as we look to reduce the number of incidents that are happening on our roads.

"While our targeted operations are happening across Greater Manchester, we also need the public's help to report any offences they might see.

"If you have any concerns whilst out on the roads then please report them to us via the dedicated link on our website https://www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ or by calling 101.

"Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

Deputy mayor for policing and crime, Bev Hughes, said: “We urge people to take care on the roads of Greater Manchester – with more than 60 families losing loved ones on our roads last year and a further 600 people suffering serious injuries.

“Collisions are often the result of speeding or being distracted at the wheel – even a moment’s lapse of attention can cause an accident.

"So stay alert, watch what’s happening and think ahead.

"Lives can be wrecked in an instant and the consequences last a lifetime.”