POLICE were again out in force across the borough cracking down on motorists as part of Operation Dice.

It has been set up to tackle motorists who risk lives — their own and others — by driving dangerously and flouting speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone laws.

The number of people who died on the roads in Bolton more than doubled past year compared to the previous year.

In 2010 there were five deaths, but last year there were 13.

Yesterday, police were pulling over drivers at various spots, including Waters Meeting Road in Astley Bridge, and Trinity Street near Bolton train station.

Nine private-hire drivers had their licences suspended and nine were warned due to vehicle defects.

Officers issued 117 fixed-penalty notices for offences including using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts. Ten vehicles were seized because the driver was not insured or did not have a licence.

A 7.5-tonne scaffolding wagon was seized because it did not have an operators licence. The traffic commissioner has been informed.

A car was stopped for being overweight, and York paving flags were found inside. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

Officers also responded to a burglary and a suspected offender was arrested.

Insp Phil Bromley, of the road policing unit, said: “There are still numerous people not wearing seatbelts and using phones while driving, which is a real concern.

“We are doing anything we can to reduce the number of deaths on the road.”

Adam Smith, aged 20, of Darcy Lever, was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt and was given a £60 fine.

He said: “£60 is a lot of money for not wearing a seatbelt.”

A private-hire driver, also stopped for not wearing a seatbelt, said: “It is a lot of money, I probably won’t earn that tonight.

“But it is good that the police are doing this because I should really have my seatbelt on.”

A silver Toyota Avensis failed to stop and was last seen in the Long Lane area of Breightmet.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7201.