TWO HGV drivers put "lives at risk" when they drove the wrong way up a motorway.

Video footage has been released of the moment Romanian drivers, Nicusor Paun, 34, and Vasile Radoescu, 39, were caught driving along the hard shoulder with their hazard lights flashing.

The lorry was then spotted doing a U-turn on the carriageway.

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The pair were stopped by the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) on the M6 toll road at 7.50pm on Sunday, July 12.

The vehicle was travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway, near to junction T4.

Both men in the HGV were arrested and were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.

Staffordshire Police said Paun was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was disqualified from driving for two years. Radoescu was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Chief Inspector Jed White, from CMPG, said: "We are committed to keeping the motorway network safe for all and will take appropriate action when motorists are acting dangerously.

"On this occasion these two individuals were clearly putting lives at risk, including their own.

"The sentences imposed by the court are to be welcomed. Although the men did not receive a custodial sentence they have been disqualified from driving and are off the roads."