AN undercover tractor identified more than 100 offences by drivers on Dorset roads – in just four days.
Between August 19 and 22, Dorset Police took loan of the unmarked HGV from National Highways, as part of Operation Tramline.
The HGV unit was used to carry out patrols across the strategic road network in the county, a police spokesperson said.
Once video had been captured by the HGV, it was used to alert roads policing officers, who intercepted the identified vehicles.
During the operation, the Dorset Roads Policing Team detected a total of 120 offences, including:
• 35 x Using a mobile phone while driving
• 46 x Not wearing a seatbelt
• 10 x Driver not in proper control
• 5 x No insurance
• 7 x Driving at excessive or inappropriate speed
• 3 x Insecure load
• 3 x Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
• 10 x Other offences
• 5 x Vehicles seized
• 1 x Vehicle with a defective tyre prohibited
• 1 x Stolen car located
• 3 x Arrests (1 x drug driver, 1 x wanted male, 1 x vehicle taken without consent and failing to stop for police)
Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Dorset Roads Policing Team, said: “The number of offences that officers detected on our roads last week highlights the importance of this kind of proactive road safety operation.
Footage from the HGV was used to alert traffic officers to drivers breaking the rules. Picture: Dorset Police
“Not wearing a seatbelt and being distracted while driving – including using a mobile phone – are two of the ‘fatal five’ most common causes of death and serious injuries on our roads, yet these were the most common offences detected during the operation.
“Op Tramline is one of many education and enforcement tactics we use to make our roads safer for our communities, and we will continue working with our partners to provide education to motorists and to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
Mark Armstrong, head of road safety at Dorset Police, added: “I’m incredibly proud of the valuable work our Roads Policing team has done as part of this operation.
“I’d like to thank National Highways for providing the team with the HGV tractor unit, which enabled officers to detect traffic offences which may have been more difficult to spot in a regular police car.
“This is a fantastic example of partnership working and we hope to be offered the opportunity to work together with National Highways again in the future.”
National Highways regional safety programme manager, Beverley Hannah, said: “Through Operation Tramline we hope to reach that minority of drivers who put themselves or others at risk with inappropriate driving behaviours such as using a mobile phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.
“Working with our police partners we want people to think carefully about their driving and to make sure they are travelling safely.
“Those that continue to drive inappropriately should be aware that they may well be spotted by officers in our unmarked HGVs and have to face the consequences.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, said: “I congratulate Dorset Police Road Safety Team for their success during Operation Tramline.
“Officers dealt with a range of behaviours from a motorist rolling a cigarette with no hands on the wheel, to catching one man texting behind the wheel.
“This was an expensive text that will cost him a fine and six points on his licence.
“Every death on Dorset’s roads is a tragedy – and despite huge strides made in this area, there is still more that can be done to keep road users safe.
“I will continue to support dedicated officers, staff and volunteers who work hard to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
“Improving road safety is not only about strict enforcement, but also strong education on the dangers. So let me be clear, a momentary lapse in concentration can have serious consequences, don’t take the risk.”
Leave a Reply