Dozens Nabbed by Unmarked Lorry in Kent Road Safety Blitz
Kent Police pulled off a cracking sting using an unmarked police lorry during Operation Tramline, catching dozens of reckless drivers red-handed. The undercover Highways England HGV cab gave officers a bird’s-eye view of the county’s motorways between 10 and 16 March 2025, spotting offences traditional patrols often miss.
Mobile Phone Use at Wheel Tops Offence List
In total, 73 vehicles were stopped, including a hefty 52 HGVs. The biggest no-no? Using a mobile phone behind the wheel. A shocking 47 drivers were caught fiddling with their phones, putting lives at risk. Other common offences included:
- 9 drivers not wearing seatbelts
- 5 drivers losing control of their vehicles
- 3 caught illegally using the hard shoulder
- 1 vehicle seized for an insecure load
Officers handed out 22 traffic offence reports and issued 50 fixed penalty notices. One vehicle was even seized for driving without insurance.
Police and National Highways Send Stark Warning
Chief Inspector Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said:
“Sadly, too many drivers still break the law and endanger others. Our priority is public safety, and the unmarked lorry is just one way we catch offenders. We will keep going after anyone who puts lives at risk.”
Colin Evans, Regional Safety Programme Manager at National Highways, warned:
“Using your phone at the wheel makes you four times more likely to crash. It’s shocking some still take that risk. Working with police through Operation Tramline, we want to change that and keep roads safe for everyone.”
Operation Tramline Patrols to Keep Going
Kent Police and National Highways confirmed this crackdown is far from over. Drivers beware – distractions and reckless choices can wreck lives, and officers will be watching from angles you don’t expect.
