Irresponsible drivers on the M6 are being warned of a week-long crackdown. National Highways and police forces in Cheshire, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester will target unsafe drivers during Operation Vertebrae.
An unmarked HGV driven by police will assist in the operation. Since its launch in 2015, this HGV has recorded over 46,000 offenses, with the most common being seatbelt violations (13,562) and mobile phone use (11,965).
The M6 week of action will run from Monday, June 3, to Sunday, June 9, aiming to reduce incidents on the motorway. National Highways responds to over 200 reported incidents on the M6 daily, attending 74,960 in 2023, including 3,808 crashes.
Matt Staton, head of national road user safety delivery at National Highways, said: “The shocking examples identified by police in our unmarked cabs are carried out by a small minority. Thankfully, most drivers are law-abiding. However, those who take risks, such as using their mobile phone at the wheel, endanger themselves and others. This week of action aims to make our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging careful driving.”
Police officers in the unmarked HGV cabs can spot dangerous driving from an elevated viewpoint, regardless of the vehicle type. Consequences for drivers range from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons, or arrest.
Sergeant Matthew Picton of Cheshire Police’s commercial vehicle unit added: “Taking risks on the road is unacceptable. Driving comes with great responsibility to keep people safe, and we all have a duty of care to each other. Operation Vertebrae brings together partners to target those who pose a risk. We cannot accept that five people a day in the UK are killed and thousands more are seriously injured. This operation focuses on both enforcement and education to change risky driving behaviors. We will be on the motorway and will take action against those making poor decisions.”
