Roads policing officers, using an unmarked HGV cab provided by National Highways, caught hundreds of drivers risking their own lives and others’ safety during a five-day operation (4–8 November).
- An unmarked HGV cab was used by roads policing officers to identify dangerous driving behaviors.
- 215 vehicles were stopped, including HGVs, LGVs, and cars.
- Offences included mobile phone use, failure to wear seatbelts, improper vehicle control, and misuse of the hard shoulder.
- 168 HGVs, 21 LGVs, and 26 cars were involved in the stops.
- The operation highlighted the risks of dangerous driving behaviors, which are major contributors to serious road incidents.
Patrolling major roads, including the M1, M18, and A1, officers stopped 215 vehicles and captured shocking footage of reckless behaviors that lead to road accidents. Offenders were seen watching TV on tablets and mobiles, neglecting seatbelt use, and swerving onto the hard shoulder.
The operation resulted in 30 drivers being caught using their mobile phones, 31 without seatbelts, 13 without proper control of their vehicles, and 21 improperly using the hard shoulder. Four drivers were also stopped for driving prohibited vehicles in the outside lane.
Additional offences included four drivers lacking insurance, three ignoring red X signals, and three with insecure loads. The types of vehicles stopped were 168 HGVs, 21 LGVs, and 26 cars.
Chief Inspector Pete Spratt emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in reducing road casualties.
He said: “We are committed to doing all we can to reduce road deaths and casualties on our roads, but everyone must take responsibility for their actions and help us reduce the risk. I urge people to think about how they would feel if their loved one was killed by a drink or drug driver, or by someone who picked up their mobile phone behind the wheel. Every one of the drivers caught during this operation had the ability, in certain circumstances, to kill someone.”
The “Fatal4″—using mobile phones, driving under the influence, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts—are the most common causes of serious collisions. These actions are preventable, and drivers must be mindful of the risks involved.
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