SHOCKING footage of a lorry driver narrowly avoiding hitting a Warwickshire Police HGV is among clips released by Highways England (HE) during a week-long crackdown on dangerous driving on the M6 this week.
The driver, who was using his mobile phone at the wheel, veered on to the hard shoulder and back again – but what he didn’t realise was the vehicle he almost hit was an unmarked HE ‘supercab’ with two police officers inside.
Other clips captured by Warwickshire officers include a lorry driver texting on his phone who simply shrugged and put his thumb up when he spotted them, and a car driver who had a mobile phone in his right hand until he heard the police siren sound.
The incidents were among more than 21,000 offences recorded by officers in the Operation Tramline HGV cabs since the national safety initiative was launched by HE.
The cabs are being used as part of Operation Vertebrae, a multi-agency week of action on the M6 which aims to reduce the number of incidents on the motorway and highlight the risks of dangerous driving.
HE Head of Road Safety Jeremy Phillips said: “The Operation Tramline cabs are an important part of our commitment to tackling dangerous driving and those who take unnecessary risks with their own safety and that of others on the road.
“The number of people found using their mobile phone while driving is quite alarming. You are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone and, if caught, face a £200 fine and six points on your licence.
“Through this week of action on the M6 we want to make all of our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging motorists to consider their driving behaviour.”
From their elevated viewpoint in the unmarked HGV cabs, police officers are able to spot people driving dangerously.
Among the incidents witnessed during Operation Tramline were a driver steering a lorry with his knees while eating lunch on his lap and using his phone, a driver eating lasagne with a knife and fork while driving along a motorway, an HGV driver boiling a kettle on the dashboard, and another eating pickled gherkins from a jar with his elbows on the steering wheel.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Ch Cons Anthony Bangham, said: “We remain committed to tackling those who take unnecessary risks with their own safety and the safety of others on our roads by allowing themselves to be distracted while driving. The consequences of these actions are often devastating.
“We will continue to work alongside Highways England on Operation Tramline and will prosecute drivers who ignore the risks.”
Consequences for the drivers range from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons or even arrest.
In addition to the supercab patrols, partners taking part in the M6 week of action will be present at motorway services offering advice to drivers such as what to do in a breakdown and ensuring load safety.
Vehicle checks will also be carried out involving the DVSA, Health and Safety Executive and the Home Office.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/8zrjtufb to watch more footage.
