More than 100 drivers caught by undercover HGV

The crackdown forms part of Merseyside Police's ongoing zero-tolerance approach to the 'Fatal Four' offences

21:29, 12 Feb 2026

The M57 motorway near Switch Island(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

More than 100 drivers have been caught committing dangerous driving offences after Merseyside Police deployed an undercover HGV patrol on the region's motorways and major A roads.

Officers used the National Highways Operation Tramline HGV[1] cab last week, taking advantage of its elevated position to identify drivers engaging in high-risk behaviour linked to serious and fatal crashes.

During the week-long operation, a total of 104 offences were recorded. These included 22 drivers using a mobile phone at the wheel, 16 failing to wear a seatbelt and 18 vehicles found to have insecure loads.

The height of the HGV cab allows officers to see clearly into cars and vans, making it easier to spot offences such as mobile phone use and seatbelt violations that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The crackdown forms part of Merseyside Police's[2] ongoing zero-tolerance approach to the so-called 'Fatal Four' offences: using a mobile phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, speeding, and drink or drug driving.

An undercover HGV targeted dangerous drivers on Merseyside's motorways last week(Image: Merseyside Police)

On Monday, February 2 the cab was deployed alongside increased patrols across local A roads and motorways. Using onboard camera technology, officers captured multiple offences.

Some motorists will receive notices through the post, while others, particularly those committing more than one offence, were stopped and escorted to a designated check site.

At the site, Operation Pennine brought together Merseyside Police, Cheshire Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to carry out further investigations, vehicle inspections and enforcement action where necessary.

Chief Inspector Stuart McIver said the force would continue to use a range of tactics to improve road safety. He said: "This is not the first time we have deployed the Op Tramline cab, and it will not be the last.

"Over recent years we have strengthened our approach to road safety and enforcement, from partnership operations like Op Pennine, to aerial photography, unmarked vehicles, AI cameras and the Tramline cab itself. We will continue to innovate.

"Everyone has a part to play in keeping our roads safe.

Those who criticise these tactics often have something to hide. Far too many lives are lost because of simple, avoidable decisions, like using a mobile phone while driving.

"Our position is clear: we have a zero-tolerance approach to those who put others in danger here in Merseyside. If you commit offences, we will deal with you.

We will be out morning, day and night, visible or not.

We can't be everywhere, but we can be anywhere."

Lisa Scott, Regional Road Safety Programme Manager for the North West at National Highways, said the initiative is aimed at reducing collisions caused by dangerous driving.

She said: "Safety is our top priority.

Our overall goal is to reduce the number of incidents caused by dangerous driving and improve safety on our roads.

"We know most drivers who use our roads every day are sensible and safe behind the wheel, but a minority are putting themselves and others at risk by engaging in dangerous behaviours.

"By working with Merseyside Police, Operation Tramline is helping make our roads safer for everyone by encouraging drivers to think about their behaviour and stick to safe driving habits."

You can report road traffic offences to Merseyside Police here: Report a road traffic incident | Merseyside Police[3]

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References

1. ^ National Highways Operation Tramline HGV (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Merseyside Police's (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Report a road traffic incident | Merseyside Police (www.merseyside.police.uk)
4. ^ Click here to activate (www.google.com)