Undercover police officers caught nearly 80 drivers committing traffic offences during a week-long operation in Staffordshire - highlighting the dangerous state of UK roads.
During the operation, police also caught a lorry driver watching videos while driving on the M6 Toll, breaking major driving laws in the process.
The operation was conducted in partnership with National Highways and took place between November 11 and 15 using an unmarked HGV tractor unit to patrol motorways and strategic roads across the county.
From their elevated position in the HGV, officers were able to spot dangerous driving habits that might otherwise go unnoticed.
One HGV driver was observed not only watching videos but also scrolling through TikTok while behind the wheel near Cannock, causing his vehicle to swerve across motorway lanes. The driver was stopped by the police and will now face court proceedings for driving without due care and attention.
The operation resulted in 63 Traffic Offence Reports being issued for various violations, including excess speed, driving without due care and attention, and driving without insurance. Officers also detected 35 drivers using mobile phones while driving.
A further 28 motorists were found not wearing seatbelts during the five-day operation. Three vehicles were seized during the operation. In total, officers stopped 78 vehicles during the week-long road safety initiative.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety across Staffordshire's road network.
Inspector Jody Cruxton from the road crime team highlighted the importance of Operation Tramline in tackling dangerous driving.
She said: "Op Tramline enables us to proactively identify and deal with some of the leading causes of death and serious injury collisions on our roads.”
The operation specifically targets what police refer to as the 'fatal four' - drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.
Cruxton emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating: "Partnership working is key to ensuring that we continue to improve road safety for all and this operation is a great demonstration of that.
In 2023, 45 people lost their lives on Staffordshire's roads, underlining the importance of such proactive enforcement operations. Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Dave Evans addressed the significance of Road Safety Week.
"Road Safety Week is an opportunity to remember those who are killed or injured on our roads, and campaign for everyone's right to make safe and healthy journeys," he said.
Evans, who co-chairs the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership alongside Commissioner Ben Adams, warned about personal responsibility in road safety.
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He added: "Every road victim counts, and we can all make a difference. Whenever we choose to speed, use a mobile phone while driving or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we increase the risk of a collision.”
According to road safety charity Brake, five people die and six children are killed or seriously injured on UK roads every day. National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Co-ordinator Marie Biddulph explained that the agency believes “no-one should be harmed while travelling on our roads”.
"Research shows that you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone while driving and twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seatbelt," she noted.
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