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Motor Transport Police Crackdown In NM Oilfields

A crackdown by state Motor Transportation Police has netted more than 100 traffic citations for commercial drivers in southeastern New Mexico's oil and gas country.

The weeklong operation was part of the agency's effort to cut down on fatal crashes in Eddy and Lea counties.

The agency says an increase in oil production in the area has resulted in more commercial traffic and more crashes.

Officers issued 107 citations during the week of Jan. 28. All but five of the citations went to commercial drivers for everything from speeding to equipment violations and improper licenses.

The officers also removed more than two dozen commercial vehicles and 12 commercial drivers from the roads due to serious safety violations.

The agency is still investigating several carriers and their safety practices.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.