Undercover HGV patrols net more than 150 traffic offenders

POLICE who carried out undercover patrols throughout South Yorkshire using an unmarked heavy goods lorry issued penalty notices worth more than £12,000 during a two-week operation.

Forty two drivers were caught using a mobile phone at the wheel— the most common of more than 150 offences identified by the team.

Other offences included failing to wear a seatbelt and not being in proper control of a vehicle.

Fifty-five drivers were dealth with for a variety of offences involving tachographs and one vehicle was seized for having no insurance.

Police say the HGV enables officers to see directly into the cabs of other vehicles on the region’s motorways and A roads.

Chief Insp Stuart Walne, head of roads policing in South Yorkshire, said: “This latest operation has been a great success.

“With the support of Mercedes, the Road Haulage Association and colleagues from neighbouring forces I am sure these operations will continue and be expanded across the region.”