Police use HGV in M1 safety op
LORRY GIVES A GOOD VANTAGE POINT TO SPOT BAD DRIVING
POLICE have been using an unmarked HGV on the M1 to catch out speeding motorists.
Over four days, Nottinghamshire police said that they dealt with 46 drivers while patrolling the M1 and A1 with the HGV supplied by Highways England.
Operation Tramline allowed officers to monitor driver behaviour from an elevated position while remaining undetected.
Officers in the HGV film unsafe driving behaviour by pulling alongside vehicles and then the offenders are pulled over by police cars following behind.
Officers arrested a 23-year-old man seen driving at over 100mph on the M1.
He also failed a roadside drug test for cannabis. He was later released under investigation.
Other offences witnessed included a driver looking at an iPad with headphones on, having his feet up away from the pedals while in cruise control.
He was issued with a traffic offence report (TOR) for driving without due care and attention.
Other drivers were handed TORs or on-the-spot fines for offences including not wearing a seatbelt and lane hogging.
Superintendent Claire Rukas said: “It’s disappointing that drivers are still willing to put their own and others’ safety at risk by not fully concentrating on the road.
Pc Phil Broughton said: “We run Operation Tramline five times a year.
“In the HGV cab we’re in a more elevated position which allows us to be in a better position to see what other drivers are doing at the wheel.
“Not fully concentrating on the road while you’re driving can have catastrophic consequences.
“It’s not just the tougher penalties which can see you lose your licence, but the everlasting guilt if you cause a fatal crash by not focusing on the road.
“Drivers need to remember that their actions not only impact on them but also their own family as well as victims and their families.”