Police stop 102 vehicles in A34, A50 and M6 stings
Dozens of drivers were caught breaking the law on the A50 and M6 as part of a huge road safety crackdown. During the blitz a trucker was recorded watching a film on his phone while cops stopped 102 vehicles and dished out 72 'traffic offence reports'.
It represented the latest instalment of Operation Tramline where road crime cops will use a HGV to help them see in the cabs of other lorries using some of Staffordshire's busiest A-roads and motorways. The operation saw the force target the A50, A34, M6, along with the A38, A5, A449 and the M54.
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During the operation the force stopped a total of 102 vehicles and caught 27 drivers not wearing a seatbelt, 18 using a mobile phone, 11 driving without due care and attention, seven 'not in proper control' of the vehicle, seven using an outside lane when prohibited, five with no insurance, and three having an insecure load.
In total 72 traffic offence reports were handed out, 23 drivers 'given advice, while four prohibition notices were dished out which means it can't be driven until things are sorted out. Five vehicles were also seized - with one turning out to be stolen.
During the blitz private vehicles made up the highest number of stops with 39 HGVs, 19 large goods vehicles and one 'public service vehicle'. Of those captured on film, the HGV driver watching a film received points on his licence and a fine, as well as a referral through to the traffic commissioner.
The driver spotted rolling a cigarette behind the wheel of his HGV was dealt with the offence of not being in proper control and the case was also referred to the traffic commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement
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In addition a 39-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class B drugs, cannabis. He has since been issued with a community resolution and a prohibition (PG9) notice.
PC Dan Sambrook, of the road crime team who took part in the operation, said: "Thanks to our partners at National Highways, we were able to use their HGV cab to capture excellent footage of drivers committing offences behind the wheel and then proactively stop them to prevent any harm to other road users.
The footage captured shows the blatant disregard some drivers have for other people's safety and I hope this reassures the public that we are doing all we can to get them off our roads and keep Staffordshire safe."
Marie Biddulph, National Highways' Regional Safety Programme Manager, said: "We all need to play our part in keeping our roads as safe as they can be so we are trying to encourage motorists to consider their driving and prioritise safety on our roads.
To do that, we are working with partners like Staffordshire Police to address unsafe driving behaviour, helping to make our roads safer for everyone.
Operation Tramline is one of the ways we target that minority of drivers who continue to put themselves and others at risk."