Roads police record 120 offences by commercial drivers

Roads officers were provided with an unmarked HGV tractor unit by Highways England as part of the efforts from March 15 to 19.

They also stopped 150 vehicles, recording 120 offences including trucks being up to 43 per cent overweight, cracked windscreens and drivers not completing Tachographs, which monitor their hours.

Sgt Bruce Yacomeni added: “With the use of the tractor unit, we have witnessed 48 drivers driving while not wearing a seatbelt, 18 driving while using their mobile phone and 12 found to not be in proper control of their vehicle.

“We know we say it over and over again but simple steps when you get in your vehicle can save lives; put your seatbelt on, put your phone away, don’t speed and ensure you’re following laws surrounding your vehicle’s use.

“We are developing and enhancing the specialist knowledge and capabilities of our dedicated and hard working roads policing team. 

“Officers have recently received training in the carriage of dangerous goods and vehicle examination and prohibition.”

Sarah Watson-Quirk, regional road safety co-ordinator at Highways England, said: “The vast majority of people drive responsibly and we hope Operation Tramline will encourage all road users to drive safely. 

“We have several lorry cabs at Highways England that provide the police with a valuable extra tool to carry out their job enforcing the law.

“Unfortunately, 450 people are killed or seriously injured every year on England’s motorways and major A roads as a result of a driver being impaired or distracted. 

“Last week’s operation delivered safe driving messages to 150 drivers and has helped make our roads safer.”