A van driver without a seatbelt takes one hand off the wheel and both eyes off the road to use a mobile phone while driving along the busy A1(M).
But what he doesn’t realise is the vehicle alongside him is a National Highways unmarked ‘supercab’ – and there are two police officers inside. When he sees he’s being filmed, he makes a rude gesture.
The driver was using a mobile phone and wasn’t wearing a seatbelt as he drove along the A1(M).
The footage, taken on the A1(M) near Wetherby by North Yorkshire Police, captures one of over 26,000 offences recorded by officers in the Operation Tramline HGV cabs since the national safety initiative was launched by National Highways. The driver was issued with a fixed penalty notice for not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone. He was handed six penalty points and a £200 fine.
The cabs are now being used as part of a multi-agency campaign on the A1, running from Monday, 21 March to Friday, 1 April, which aims to reduce the number of incidents on the busy route and highlight the risks of dangerous driving.
Under the banner of Operation Mainline, the campaign takes place along the A1 from Northumberland down to North Yorkshire. Three police forces will be taking part – Northumbria, Durham and North Yorkshire.
In addition to the supercab patrols, vehicle checks will also be carried out at a number of locations by the DVSA and Health and Safety Executive. National Highways Traffic Officers will visit motorway service areas at Washington, Wetherby and Skelton Lake to offer advice to drivers such as how to carry out basic vehicle maintenance.
National Highways deals with incidents on the A1 every day with 9,675 reported in 2021 including 614 traffic collisions.
Since the launch of Operation Tramline in 2015, more than 26,200 offences have been recorded across England. The most common offences have included:
- not wearing a seatbelt – 7,727
- using a mobile phone – 6,804
- not in proper control of vehicle – 1,927
- speeding – 1,378
In total, 23,971 vehicles were stopped during Operation Tramline between July 2015 and January 2022.
National Highways Regional Director Simon Boyle said:
“Safety is our highest priority at National Highways. 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 not wearing their seatbelt, or using their mobile phone while driving is quite alarming. Through this fortnight of action on the A1 we want to make all of our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging motorists to consider their driving behaviour.
“It’s great to be collaborating with our partners in the police on this important campaign.”
