Nearly 700 offences were caught by cops hidden in unmarked HGVs cruising the M1, targeting reckless drivers across eight police forces.
A total of 663 vehicles were stopped, revealing 691 offences. Penalties ranged from warnings to 14 court summons and five arrests.
Unmarked HGVs Spot Dangerous Driving
National Highways supplies stealthy lorry cabs to police as part of Operation Tramline. From their high vantage point, officers easily spot unsafe driving behaviours.
Midlands Drivers Busted for Seatbelts, Phones, and More
In Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Northamptonshire alone, officers recorded 309 offences. These included 108 drivers ignoring seatbelt rules, 62 caught on their mobiles, and 27 driving without due care.
One Nottinghamshire driver was stopped for texting—only to be found driving without a licence or insurance.
Safety Chief Issues Warning
National Highways Head of Road Safety Jeremy Phillips said: “Hundreds of thousands travel over 21 million miles on the M1 every day—it accounts for one in seven motorway journeys—and most drivers are safe and legal.
“But a reckless minority put lives at risk. Nearly 700 offences in one week is disappointing, but thanks to Operation Tramline, dangerous drivers are being caught and stopped.”
