Op Tramline: HGV used to detect motoring offences on M4
Gwent Police officers were back aboard an unmarked HGV last month as part of an operation to crack down on motoring offences on the M4.
Op Tramline involved officers driving an unmarked HGV cab to identify and film unsafe driving behaviour. The HGV is a useful tool, giving officers an elevated position to identify offences such as using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
Drivers seen committing an offence were then stopped by roads policing officers.
The operation, in partnership with National Highways, took place between junctions 22 and 29 of the M4.
More than 40 motoring offences were detected on the motorway during the five-day operation:
- 17 traffic offence reports issued for not wearing seatbelts
- 15 traffic offence reports issued for mobile phone use
- One person was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and released under investigation
- Four vehicles were seized for no insurance or the driver not driving in accordance with their driving licence
Other offences included insecure loads and drivers not being in proper control of their vehicle.
PC Matt Rue said:
“It’s concerning that there are still motorists using our roads who are willing to risk their own lives and the lives of those around them, by concentrating on things other than driving. We’re committed to increasing the safety of all road users in Gwent and operations such as this are one of the ways in which we are taking action to tackle these types of motoring offences.
“I hope the results from this operation send a clear message that driving irresponsibly is unacceptable and you will be dealt with robustly. Officers also educated road users as part of the operation including raising awareness of the ‘fatal five’ – the five main causes of casualties on UK roads - speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using mobile phones, driving under the influence of alcohol /drugs and careless driving.
“Keeping people safe on our roads is an issue that everyone can be involved in; individuals, families, friends and communities all have a role to play in helping to promote safer driving. I would urge all motorists to drive carefully, responsibly and within the limits of the law and to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained at all times.”
National Highways assistant regional safety co-ordinator, Marie Biddulph, said:
“From the elevated position in our unmarked HGV cabs, our police partners are able to spot offences being committed whatever vehicle the culprit may be driving.
“It is always disappointing to see that people are still ignoring the law and putting themselves and others at risk but we know these reckless motorists are a minority and most people do drive safely.
“We hope that, in the knowledge that they can be spotted by officers in our cabs at any time, the minority will think seriously about their driving behaviour and make sure they are driving safely and legally.”