Kent Police Nab Dozens of Dangerous Drivers from ‘Supercab’ HGV
Kent Police’s Road Safety Unit took to the county’s motorways and the A2 in a clever sting using an unmarked HGV cab provided by National Highways. This “supercab” gave officers a top-notch vantage point to spot motorists breaking the law.
Operation Scores 39 Tickets in One Week
The high-tech patrol ran from Monday 5 to Friday 9 December 2022, handing out 26 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) and 13 penalty notices. The haul included drivers caught for a range of offences:
- Reversing up a slip lane on the M2 after missing the Gillingham junction
- Driving without due care and attention
- Towing a trailer in the third lane
- Speeding
- Ignoring seatbelt laws
- Using mobile phones at the wheel — with 13 tickets issued, including one driver watching footage and swerving between lanes
Two drivers were slapped with court summonses for driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Top Brass Warns: Road Rules Are No Joke
“Whilst the vast majority of motorists adhere to the rules of the road, the results of this operation show there are still too many willing to put their own safety and that of other innocent people at risk,” said Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing.
“Having access to an HGV is a great way to spot offences we might not otherwise have been able to, and is another way in which we are able to target those whose driving standards fall short of what the law expects of them.”
National Highways Back the Crackdown
Colin Evans, Regional Safety Coordinator for National Highways in South East England, added: “Most drivers behave sensibly, but a small minority think the rules don’t apply to them, putting lives in danger.”
“Using the ‘supercab’ helps us spot bad habits and take enforcement action where needed. Whatever vehicle you’re in, think about your behaviour behind the wheel and help us make sure everyone gets home safe and well.”
