The Department for Transport (DFT) has allocated an extra £24m to try to improve the safety of international trucks entering the UK.

As part of the initiative, goods vehicles crossing Britain's borders will now face tougher safety checks.

The £24m will fund a 50% increase in the number of HGV checks, as well as allow the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to open two new enforcement sites.

DFT figures show that HGVs from overseas are more like to be unroadworthy, overloaded or being driven in excess of drivers' hours rules than their UK counterparts.

"We are determined to clamp down on unsafe trucks.

"More inspectors undertaking more checks at more sites will make our roads safer for everyone,” said Road Safety Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick.

Additional penalty regimes will also be introduced including fixed penalties, on-the-spot fines and seizing foreign HGVs.