Police in Suffolk stopped 142 vehicles and detected over 140 offences, as part of a roads policing operation that took place earlier this month.
Operation Tramline saw police provided with an HGV tractor unit by National Highways, which allowed officers to carry out patrols across the county’s strategic road network and use this elevated position to detect drivers of all types of vehicle who are committing offences.
The initiative took place between Monday 7 April and Friday 11 April and involved officers from the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, and the Road Casualty Reduction Team, with enforcement taking place on the A14, A12 and A11.
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 142 vehicles were stopped, including 50 HGVs and 47 smaller goods vehicles.
145 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence.
125 TORs were issued, with the primary offences highlighted below:
- 49 for not wearing a seat belt
- 33 for using a mobile phone
- 25 for construction and use (roadworthiness offences)
- 11 for an insecure load
- 11 for driving without due care
- six for not being in proper control
- four for speeding
One graduated fixed penalty notice was issued, with total fines of £100, and 15 people were given words of advice.
PC Terry Harvey, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: “We run this operation several times a year, most recently just over two months ago, and we continue to detect a consistent number of offences – on average between 25 and 30 per day.
“This is very disappointing as I would’ve hoped the message would’ve begun to get through to drivers – many of whom are professional and drive for their living. This demonstrates why it is so important for us to keep running this operation.
“The offences we detect are not trivial – they could be a matter of life and death. It is incumbent on all road users to obey the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and any loads are properly secured.
“We are again most grateful to National Highways for providing us with the HGV tractor unit free of charge. This enables us to carry-out enforcement in respect of this group of road users, who are in control of the biggest and therefore potentially most dangerous vehicles on the roads.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Suffolk’s major road network is a crucial part of our national infrastructure. Keeping the traffic flowing and all road users safety is an absolute priority for the Constabulary.
“It is very regrettable that such days of action are needed because of the appalling attitude taken by a small minority of drivers. Their cavalier and wanton disregard shown towards road safety in general is utterly contemptable and the sooner these people are removed from our highways the better for everyone else.
“The level of recorded offences fully justifies the force’s work and I would like to express my great appreciation for another successful day of action.”
National Highways Regional Safety Programme Manager, Lawrence Seager, said: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Operation Tramline and these results from Suffolk Police show just how valuable our HGV cabs continue to be in helping to spot unsafe driving behaviours.
“You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seat belt and four times more likely to be in a crash if using a mobile phone while driving. So it is disappointing that we still have a minority of people who are prepared to put themselves and others at risk in this way.
“Our goal with Operation Tramline is to remind motorists to think carefully about their driving behaviours and to make our roads safer. We will continue working with our police partners through Tramline and other campaigns to make that happen.”
(Pic: National Highways)
