Unmarked Lorries To Patrol Motorways Snaring Irresponsible Drivers Who Text At The Wheel

Media reports suggest that the scheme is Codenamed Operation Tramline, and has been   trialed in the south where it led to the detection of 462 offences over the last three months.

The heavy goods vehicle being used is to hit the motorway network in March, and will be shared by a number of police forces for 12 months. It is thought that Greater Manchester is to be among the most likely choices due to the NW region’s M60 roadworks and large number of HGVs using the motorway.

The vehicles will be staffed with a police officer sitting in the cab using a video camera. The height of the cab will provide a perfect viewing position down into cars to spot offenders as well as monitor other truckers.

They will look out for offences including texting or phoning while driving, speeding, hogging the middle or outside lane, drink or drug driving, driving without care, and failing to wear a seat belt.

The initial objective was to monitor other HGV cabs - but officials realised it was useful to spot rogue car drivers too.

A Highways Agency spokesman said road safety was a top priority and they were working with the police to tackle poor driving.

Using a hand-held mobile while driving is subject to three penalty points and a £100 fine, rising to a possible £1,000 on conviction in court.

Source: Daily Mirror

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