Secret ‘Supercab’ to spy on dodgy M62 drivers
UNMARKED POLICE LORRY ON MOTORWAY MISSION
MOTORWAY police are to use an unmarked ‘supercab’ lorry in a crackdown on dodgy drivers on the M62.
Officers will be using the vehicle across the full length of the M62 from Liverpool to Hull as part of Operation Pennine, which aims to reduce the number of accidents on the 107-mile motorway.
There are an average of five crashes a day on the M62, according to Highways England, leading to congestion and delays for drivers and harm to businesses who rely on their supplies being delivered on time.
The supercab gives police a better view of motorists - including HGV drivers - committing offences at the wheel, such as using a mobile phone.
As part of the operation police will be working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to take vehicles, which do not meet legal maintenance standards, off the road.
Loads carried by vans and lorries will be checked for weight and security while drivers will be checked to make sure they have had adequate rest, for the operation which began this week and runs until October 18.
The month of activity follows the success of a similar safety week on the M1 earlier this year which reduced collisions by a third.
John Walford, incident prevention manager at Highways England, said: “Over 100,000 drivers travel over the Pennines every day, ranging from commuters getting to work to haulage firms delivering goods along the route or overseas.
“The vast majority of drivers obey the law but a few are risking potentially devastating consequences by not carrying out appropriate checks before setting off or by driving dangerously.
“Our month of action will see enforcement agencies carrying out checks along the M62 and at the ports in Liverpool, Hull and Immingham to help improve safety for everyone.”
Laura Great-Rex, head of enforcement at DVSA, said: “The DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles. There is no excuse for driving tired or driving a dangerous lorry and we will not hesitate in taking action against those who flout the law.
“By working with the police and Highways England and sharing intelligence we help make Britain’s roads even safer.”
The HGV Supercab is a Mercedes Actros long-distance haulage truck.
HGVs must be fitted with a speed limiter which means the vehicle cannot exceed 56mph, unless there are special exceptions. The Supercab’s limiter, however, is ‘derestricted’ so the truck can travel at up to the national speed limit.
It is equipped with emergency flashing lights and will be followed nearby by police cars.
The higher driver’s vantage point means officers can see lorry drivers committing offences at the wheel which would not be visible from police cars.