Unmarked HGV Operation Nab 83 Drivers in Just 3 Days on the M4
In a high-impact crackdown on the M4, officers driving an unmarked HGV stopped 83 drivers over just three days for a string of offences. The sting targeted dangerous behaviour, especially among lorry drivers, highlighting serious road safety risks.
Operation Tramline: The Joint Hit Squad
Operation Tramline is a coordinated effort between National Highways and the National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence (NRPOI). Last week, officers from the Roads Policing Unit teamed up with the Special Constabulary Road Safety Unit to patrol the busy stretch of the M4 between junctions 14 and 18, zeroing in on heavy goods vehicles.
Mobile phone use and seatbelt violations topped the list of offences detected during the operation.
Shocking Driving Habits Exposed
PC Luke Hobbs said: “The HGV gives us an elevated view into vehicles using this busy stretch of road so we can better detect offences such as mobile phone use. Whilst the majority are law abiding drivers, it is always shocking to see just what some of these drivers think they can get away with – all whilst in control of a vehicle which can be up to 44 tonnes in weight with the potential to cause significant and serious harm to others.”
He added, “Last week alone, we saw drivers watching films on their phones or tablets whilst behind the wheel, overloaded vehicles which can pose a real danger to other road users, and drivers showing a complete disregard for the speed limit.”
Keeping Wiltshire’s Roads Safe with Cutting-Edge Tech
A/Insp Will Ayres from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Operation Tramline is an excellent initiative which forms part of our commitment to keeping Wiltshire’s roads safe by targeting those committing fatal five offences – these are offences most likely to contribute to death and serious injury on the roads and include drink/drug driving, careless driving, driving at excess speed, driving without a seatbelt or using a mobile phone.”
The operation also trialled new Artificial Intelligence cameras from Acusensus, supported by 123 Feel Safer, aiming to boost road safety through smart tech.
On Tuesday, Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and swindon/" title="Swindon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Swindon, joined the action to support the mission against dangerous driving.
