HGV driver on phone snared by police AI camera in motorway operation

A HGV driver has been caught using his phone by an AI traffic camera on the A66 during a police operation. The motorist, who was operating the vehicle without any cargo at the time of the incident, was caught by the camera on the A66[1] between Middlesbrough and Stockton. In pictures released by police, the driver can be seen carrying another passenger while using his phone at the wheel.

This offence was part of Operation Tramline across Cleveland during a week-long campaign, which took place last week. In total, police found 41 offences on the roads of the region. Roads Policing Officers from Cleveland Police carried out Operation Tramline, a partnership between police and National Highways, between Monday, March 10 and Sunday, March 16.

ADVERTISEMENT Police used a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) cab loaned from National Highways[2] to make it easier to see offences committed in the cabs of other lorries and vehicles at the same height, as well as identifying offences in other types of vehicles. The majority of the offences found related to the 'fatal four', which are the main four contributing factors in fatal and serious collisions on the roads, including drivers not wearing seatbelts and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Other offences related to insecure loads and no insurance. A 72-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing police. The man was bailed pending further enquiries.

There were 22 fixed penalties issued and 14 Traffic Offence Reports. Recommended reading:

Matrix Team Sergeant Mark Kewley said: "We have carried out Operation Tramline to detect offences on our roads, which led to over 40 offences being found. ADVERTISEMENT

"Whilst we saw many road users keeping safe, worryingly, the majority of the offences captured related to the 'fatal four' - not wearing seatbelts and driving whilst using a mobile phone - which are two of the main four contributing factors in fatal and serious collisions.

"The results of this operation have yet again shown us that drivers are still willing to take risks with their lives, and others' lives, and therefore we will continue with this enforcement activity."

References

1. ^ A66 (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
2. ^ National Highways (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)