Lorry driver is caught watching TV on M40
A LORRY driver was caught watching TV on a laptop while on the M40 during a number of shocking finds during an undercover police sting.
Warwickshire Police has revealed a number of incredible images from the five-day operation on motorway stretches across the county.
Among them is a driver watching TV on the M40 while another shows a HGV driving on the hard shoulder.
Another was caught driving a car while texting with both hands while another shows a driver reading delivery instructions while on the motorway.
Officers used a speciallyadapted HGV owned by Highways England to observe driver behaviours in all vehicles and deal with any offences.
The view from the cab allows officers to see into other HGVS and also gives a bird’s-eye view into cars and vans.
During the week, 41 people received Traffic Offence Reports (TORS) for using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving - often at high speed.
There were 68 people caught and received TORS after choosing not to wear a seatbelt (potential £100 fine).
A total of 20 people received TORS for not being in control of their vehicle (3 points and £100 fine) and 12 people were stopped for speeding.
One man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B - Cannabis after he was stopped for traffic offences on the M40 southbound on Thursday morning. A significant quantity of the drug was recovered following a search of the vehicle.
Speaking about the initiative, code-named ‘Operation Edward’, PS Carl Stafford said: “This is sadly only a snapshot of the week’s findings and unfortunately demonstrates the real driver behaviours that are taking place on a daily basis on our roads.
“We will continue to proactively police Warwickshire’s roads including the M6, M40, M42 and M69 by looking for people that could pose serious danger to themselves and other road users. By stopping them and dealing with any offences we hope to change their behaviour and to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
“We continue to be the leading force nationally for Operation Tramline and this is testament to the dedication of the officers and volunteers within both OPU and our Special Constabulary who assist in this and many other operations.”
Highways England assistant regional safety co-ordinator Marie Biddulph added: “It is disappointing that so many people were caught driving illegally and dangerously over the five days by our Operation Tramline supercabs. Particularly alarming is how many people still choose not to wear a seatbelt or will use their mobile phone at the wheel.”