Fleet Management Blog

Police on an anonymous HGV catches distracted drivers

Written by Eleonora Malacarne | 21 July 2021 08:00:00 Z

Police driving an unmarked HGV cab have caught motorists on the motorway breaking the law, with 85 offences detected during a week-long operation.

The operation, known as Operation Tramline, has been conducted in the UK by West Mercia Police teaming up with Highways England.

Roads policing officers have been driving an unmarked HGV cab which offers an elevated position, allowing police officers to film risky behaviour and distracted driving, such as mobile phone use and seatbelt misuse.

The plain white HGV tractor unit loaned to West Mercia Police by Highways England has been used across the country enabling officers to crack down on motorists who break the law, first taking to the road in 2018.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan of West Mercia Police said: “During this operation officers have witnessed a number of drivers not wearing seatbelts and using their phones behind the wheel.

“There have been various education campaigns highlighting these particular issues so there really is no excuse for people not to know what the law states or the penalties they can receive when they are caught.”

He continued: “This Operation is a great demonstration of joint partnership working with Highways England where the ultimate aim is to improve road safety for all and reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

During the week-long operation in West Mercia, 85 offences were detected on the motorway, such as non-seatbelt use, mobile phone use and driving without due care.