Trucker on phone nearly hits undercover police as cops catch thousands of law-breaking drivers
Watch out, the police are about. That's the message after it was revealed thousands of drivers were caught breaking the law on motorways by officers hidden in lorry cabs over the last six years.
Unsuspecting motorists were spotted using their phones at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and speeding as part of the police operation has been running on motorways, including in the Midlands, since 2015.
Incidents included a driver who was seen steering a lorry with his knees while eating lunch on his lap and also using his phone in the Midlands, while in the Wet Mercia police force area, which covers Shropshire and Worcestershire, officers saw a driver eating lasagne with a knife and fork while driving along a motorway.
Surrey Police spotted a HGV driver boiling a kettle on the dashboard and another eating pickled gherkins from a jar with his elbows on the steering wheel.
Another driver who was using his phone on the M40 in Warwickshire as he veered onto the hard shoulder and back again narrowly avoiding crashing into another lorry.
In total, more than 21,600 offences were recorded as part of Operation Tramline. It comes as a week-long operation will be carried out on the M6 in the West Midlands this week, with officers on the look out for drivers breaking the law.
From their elevated viewpoint in the unmarked HGV cabs, police officers are able to spot people driving dangerously – whatever vehicle they may be in.
Since 2015, Highways England revealed 6,073 drivers were caught using a phone, 6,253 not wearing a seatbelt, 1,501 not in proper control of a vehicle and 1,199 speeding. In total, 19,564 vehicles were stopped in Operation Tramline between July 2015 and April 2021.
Highways England head of road safety Jeremy Phillips said: “The Operation Tramline cabs are an important part of our commitment to tackling dangerous driving and those who take unnecessary risks with their own safety and that of others on the road.
“The number of people found using their mobile phone while driving is quite alarming. You are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone and, if caught, face a £200 fine and six points on your licence.
“Through this week of action on the M6 we want to make all of our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging motorists to consider their driving behaviour.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, said: “Operation Tramline is a successful collaboration between the police and Highways England.
“We remain committed to tackling those who take unnecessary risks with their own safety and the safety of others on our roads by allowing themselves to be distracted while driving. The consequences of these actions are often devastating.
“We will continue to work alongside Highways England on Operation Tramline and will prosecute drivers who ignore the risks.”
