CUMBRIA Police ran a five-day operation using an HGV to target driving offences - and caught dozens of distracted or speeding motorists.

Operation Tramline was run in partnership with National Highways and the constabulary used an unmarked HGV to help officers spot driving offences from an elevated position. 

The Mail: An HGV driver on their phone, who was recorded by Cumbria Police An HGV driver on their phone, who was recorded by Cumbria Police (Image: Cumbria Police)

The officers used the lorry to pull up alongside other vehicles and gather video footage of drivers committing offences.

In total, the officers recorded 31 offences. These included:

  • 14 mobile phone offences
  • 10 speeding offences
  • Two vehicles being driven in lane three when prohibited from doing so
  • A drug-driver
  • Driving without a licence - Sec 165 Seizure 
  • Driving without due care and attention

Sergeant Jack Stabler of Cumbria Constabulary said: “The HGV gave officers an elevated position which allowed officers to drive alongside vehicles and record any unsafe driver behaviour taking place.

The Mail: The Cumbria Police HGV used in the operationThe Cumbria Police HGV used in the operation (Image: Cumbria Police)

“The majority of offences recorded were people consciously taking the decision to not be in proper control of their vehicle – often through using their mobile phone whilst driving.

“There is no excuse for allowing yourself to become distracted whilst driving. Such actions put all road users at risk and could have fatal consequences.”

Cumbria Police will be conducting more HGV operations in the future to catch drivers. 

The Mail: Operation Tramline was conducted by the police in April Operation Tramline was conducted by the police in April (Image: Cumbria Police)

Cumbria Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Blackwell joined the Op Tramline enforcement team on the road during the week. He said: “Having seen the Operation first-hand I can attest to its effectiveness in helping to identify those drivers who are behaving irresponsibly behind the wheel and putting lives at risk.

“Our officers work every day to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads and this latest tool will be a significant help for ourselves and other police forces in targeting those who are a danger to themselves and others.

“I’d like to thank our colleagues at National Highways for their work on the Op Tramline project, which I’m sure is saving lives and improving road safety for us all.”

Jeremy Phillips, National Highways head of road safety, said: "Safety is our number one priority and, through Operation Tramline, we hope to raise awareness and encourage drivers to think about their behaviour and habits at the wheel.