Over 160 offences detected during operation using HGV supercab

Police in Suffolk stopped 155 vehicles, made one arrest and detected over 160 offences, as part of a roads policing operation during the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Commercial Vehicle Week.

Operation Tramline saw police provided with an HGV tractor unit by National Highways, which allowed officers to carry out patrols across the county’s strategic road network and use this elevated position to detect drivers of all types of vehicle who are committing offences.

The initiative took place between Monday 27 January to Friday 31 January and involved officers from the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, and the Driving School, with enforcement taking place on the A14, A12 and A11.

The HGV tractor unit - which was driven by a police officer - provides an ideal vantage point meaning officers can look directly into the cabs of other lorry drivers, whilst also dealing with any offending motorists driving vans or cars too. Supporting police officers are then on hand to pull-over any offenders.

A total of 155 vehicles were stopped, including 55 HGVs and 44 smaller goods vehicles.

169 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence. 

One person was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and 139 TORs were issued, with the primary offences highlighted below:

• 49 for not wearing a seat belt
• 36 for using a mobile phone
• 26 for construction and use (roadworthiness offences)
• 16 for an insecure load
• 10 for not being in proper control
• six for driving without due care and attention
• four for speeding
• three for contravening a red light
• two for no insurance

Three graduated fixed penalty notices were issued, with total fines of £300. 16 people were given words of advice and two vehicles were seized for not having insurance.

PC Terry Harvey, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: "This was yet another productive week of action where the number of offences detected speaks for itself.

“Among the 36 people caught using a mobile phone, one of them thought it would be funny to film us whilst he was driving at 70mph - until he realised who we were. We didn’t need to be expert lip readers to decipher the words that came out of his mouth when he did realise. He will now receive a £200 fine and six points for his reckless actions.

“The offences we detect are not trivial – they could be a matter of life and death. It is incumbent on all road users to obey the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and any loads are properly secured.

“Once again, I would like to thank National Highways for providing us with the HGV tractor unit free of charge. This enables us to carry-out enforcement in respect of this group of road users, who are in control of the biggest and therefore potentially most dangerous vehicles on the roads.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Another set of impressive results from the Constabulary although I’m absolutely staggered by the mindless stupidity of so many drivers risking their own lives, and the lives of others with their unacceptable behaviour behind the wheel.

“I find it very disappointing that drivers still need to be reminded about something as obvious as putting on a seat belt or not using a mobile phone – there really is no excuse for that at all.

He added: “I fully support this pro-active approach to crack down on irresponsible drivers, the number of offences detected is really impressive. I spent some time with the roads policing unit in an HGV cab on a previous campaign and was amazed at what you see when you’re at eye level with another HGV. It really does give officers an excellent view and an opportunity to see offences they might otherwise miss, so I’d like to thank Highways England for their support, it is greatly appreciated.”

National Highways’ Road Safety Programme Manager, Lawrence Seager, said: “We are committed to reducing the number of people harmed on our roads.  Working closely with the police on Operation Tramline, is one of the ways we aim to do that.

“The statistics make it clear; driving without a seatbelt or whilst using a mobile device drastically increases the chances of a collision. 

“We know that it is only a minority of drivers who continue to put themselves and others at risk, but we need everyone to consider their driving behaviours so we all get home safely.”