Police were left stunned after they pulled over a van on a motorway and discovered two babies and four toddlers among 14 people crammed into the back.
Traffic police from Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) stopped the vehicle on Tuesday night because it was untaxed and had no MOT.
But they were left gobsmacked to discover several children and adults packed into the back with mattresses and bedding.
Police said the "consequences could have been horrific" and the driver will now be hauled before a court.
Sharing details of the incident on Twitter, officers said the van was stopped near to Stafford Services on the northbound carriageway of the M6 at around 8.40pm.
A spokesperson wrote: "We have stopped this van, on the M6 in the Staffordshire area,it was showing as untaxed & no MOT.
"When we opened it we couldn't believe our eyes 14 people inside it, including babies and children, the consequences could have been horrific...driver can expect a day in court."
People expressed their astonishment at the driver's reckless actions with one writing: "What is wrong with people, risking babies lives like that?"
Joe added: "That's so wrong, I hope the driver gets a jail sentence, if the worse had happened I would feel sorry for the emergency services finding that situation."
Michelle put "These children just don’t stand a chance in life" while Marie Bidduplh wrote: "That’s awful."
John B added: "One child in this situation would be bad enough but to put six young people in danger like that, is truly unforgivable."
