Police catch 30 drivers using undercover HGV on West Yorkshire motorways
“We all need to play our part in keeping our roads as safe as they can be”
More than 30 motorists were caught driving unsafely in West Yorkshire during a police operation last week.
Officers in an unmarked HGV were patrolling major roads capturing evidence of offences being committed on motorways. The vehicle was used because its size allows police to get a view into vehicles and spot motorists on their phones, driving without a seatbelt and other offences.
The action was part of Operation Tramline, a road safety initiative launched by National Highways in collaboration with police across the UK to deter driving behaviours.
An officer captures evidence of each offence on their bodyworn video from the passenger seat of the lorry cab while traffic cops in unmarked and marked police vehicles intercept the offenders. They then enforce the law and educate them on the serious harm these offences can cause.
A total of 30 driving offences were dealt with, including:
- HGV driver no seatbelt x7
- HGV driver use of handheld mobile phone x3
- Van with dangerous part on vehicle x1
- Van insecure load x1
- Van incorrectly displaying trade plates x1
- Car driver use of handheld mobile x8
- Car driver not in proper control of vehicle x1
- Car driver failing to comply with no entry sign x2
- Car registration marks not conforming to regulations x6
Chief Inspector James Farrar said: “Operation Tramline is a national initiative that helps us tackle some of the most dangerous offences on our road network.
“We are pleased that we intercepted these offences as they could have all proven to be fatal in the event of a collision.
“West Yorkshire Police remain committed to tackling road traffic offences and to keep our roads safe for the communities we serve. We work tirelessly with partner agencies so that together we can protect the public from death or serious injury on our roads.”
Nicola Clayton, Regional Safety Programme Manager for National Highways added:“We know that the majority of people who use our roads drive safely but there remains a minority who continue to put themselves and others at risk.
“We all need to play our part in keeping our roads as safe as they can be, so we want to encourage motorists to reflect on their driving and prioritise safety on our roads.
“That means addressing unsafe driving behaviour, working with the police on Operation Tramline is one of the ways we do that, helping to make our roads safer for everyone.”
This activity will continue throughout the summer.