Lorry cops take to the cab to spot M-way menaces

Officers are using the unmarked HGV to patrol hundreds of miles of motorways and main roads across South Yorkshire.

The raised vantage point helps them see directly into the cabs of commercial lorries and gives a different view of regular vehicles.

Organiser Pc Darrell McPherson said: “Once the crew suspects an offence has been committed colleagues in patrol cars are directed to stop and deal with the vehicle's driver.”

Chf Insp Stuart Walne, head of roads policing, said: “This year's operation builds on the success of last year.

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“We have already apprehended and educated drivers on their behaviour who have been caught not wearing their seatbelt, using their mobile phone, map reading and even watching films on a laptop, all while at the wheel.

“Any vehicle that is not being driven correctly can be a lethal weapon, especially large vehicles being driven at speed.

“The vehicle has been loaned to us by Mercedes free of charge so that we can help make South Yorkshire’s major roads safer for every motorist.”