Undercover Operation on M4 Nets Offenders Engaged in Dangerous Driving Practices
In a recent policing maneuver on the M4 in Wiltshire, an undercover operation utilizing an unmarked HGV has led to the apprehension of numerous lorry drivers caught engaging in unsafe behaviors, including watching films while driving.
Dubbed Operation Tramline, this collaborative effort between National Highways and the National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence (NRPOI) resulted in the identification of over 80 offenders within a span of three days.
Focused primarily on the M4 stretch between Junctions 14 and 18, the operation aimed to target HGV drivers, who were found to be committing various offenses.
Among the 83 detected violations, most were related to mobile phone usage or failure to wear seatbelts while driving. Additionally, an unspecified number of offenders were found watching films on their mobile devices while operating their vehicles.
PC Luke Hobbs emphasized the effectiveness of utilizing an elevated view from the HGV to detect offenses like mobile phone use, stressing the potential danger posed by distracted driving, especially considering the substantial weight and size of these vehicles.
Highlighting the alarming disregard for safety observed during the operation, PC Hobbs cited instances of drivers watching films, operating overloaded vehicles, and blatantly flouting speed limits.
Operation Tramline specifically targets the “fatal five offenses,” identified as drink/drug driving, careless driving, speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, and mobile phone usage while driving.
