Police in Norfolk stopped 214 vehicles and detected more than 260 offences, after targeting drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) as part of a week-long operation supported by National Highways.
Operation Tramline saw police provided with an HGV tractor unit by National Highways (formerly Highways England), which allowed officers to carry out patrols across the county’s strategic road network and focus on offences committed by lorry drivers.
The initiative took place between Monday 28 February and Friday 4 March and involved officers from the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, with enforcement taking place on the A47, A11 and A17.
The HGV tractor unit – which was driven by a police officer – provides an ideal vantage point meaning officers can look directly into the cabs of other lorry drivers, whilst also dealing with any offending motorists driving vans or cars too. Supporting police officers are then on hand to pull-over any offenders.
A total of 214 vehicles were stopped, including 69 HGVs, 80 LGVs and 65 smaller goods vehicles.
263 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence.
These offences include:
6 x Using a mobile phone
4 x Not in proper control
92 x Not wearing a seatbelt
2 x Speeding
4 x No insurance
89 x Construction and use
10 x Driving without due care and attention
51 x Insecure loads
1 x Drink/drug driving
2 x Wanted in connection with crime
2 x Others
Officers issued 215 TORs, arrested three people, and issued words of advice to 13 drivers. Three vehicles were seized and eight drivers were dealt with through rectification notices. Four drivers were referred to the Traffic Commissioner.
Sergeant Jordan Pokorny, of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “The number of offences detected as part of this operation is really disappointing to see, but also shows how necessary these enforcement weeks are.
“The fact that 38% of drivers were dealt with for fatal four offences, is truly startling considering we spend a large amount of our time educating people on the devastating consequences these can often have.
“We would like to thank National Highways for providing the HGV tractor as the elevated cab meant that we were able to spot these offences a lot easier, whatever vehicle was being driven.”
“The laws are there to save lives and we will continue to conduct these operations and crackdown on dangerous drivers who are in control of some of the most dangerous vehicles on our roads.”
Inspector Simon Jones added: “This operation goes to show that you never know when you are being recorded for illegal activities behind the wheel.
“I hope this has opened the eyes of those drivers who have not only put themselves, but other road users at risk.
“This was a very successful week of action and I would like to thank the team for their hard work.”
Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Giles Orpen-Smellie said: “The numbers of drivers found to be committing offences during this operation is shocking and disappointing to see. It could take a split second for an accident to happen that could have devastating impacts for all of those involved. I fully support the work of Norfolk Constabulary in these operations and whilst people continue to commit road offences, the message is that we will continue to take action and prosecute.”
National Highways assistant road safety coordinator in the East of England, Christopher Smith, said: “We know the majority of people drive safely and sensibly but unfortunately a minority of motorists flout the law and put themselves and others at risk.
“Working closely with our police partners in Norfolk and through the use of the supercabs we want to encourage all drivers – whatever vehicle they are in – to think twice about their behaviour behind the wheel and make sure everyone gets to their destination safely.”
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