Watch as lorry driver is caught steering a huge car transporter with just his elbow by police in an unmarked HGV
- The oblivious male driver was caught by officers traveling along the M40
- Videos have been released as part of a week of action along the length of the M1
This is the moment a driver is caught steering a huge car transporter with just his elbow alongside police in an unmarked HGV.
The oblivious male driver was caught by officers traveling along the M40 in a National Highways’ lorry.
After spotting he was being filmed, the driver quickly put both hands firmly on the steering wheel, but police had already informed colleagues travelling behind to pull the vehicle over.
It comes as footage of a number of shocking incidents has emerged after being captured by police in unmarked cabs.
The videos have been released by National Highways today as part of a week of action along the length of the M1 – connecting London and Leeds.
The oblivious male driver was caught by officers traveling along the M40 in a National Highways’ lorry
One such incident included a driver caught using his mobile phone on the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass, while another was holding her device up to talk into as she drove one-handed along the M40.
More than 33,254 offences have been recorded since the ‘Operation Tramline’ unmarked HGV cabs safety initiative was launched by National Highways in 2015 – with some 30,380 vehicles have been stopped by police.
The most common offences are not wearing a seatbelt, of which there were 9,962 cases.
There were 8,368 times when a motorist was using a mobile phone, followed by 2,257 whom were said to not be in proper control of their vehicle.
Drivers received punishments ranging from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons or arrest.
National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: ‘We are committed to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured while travelling on our roads by 50% by 2025 and we have a long term ambition for zero harm.
‘To achieve that we need to tackle the unsafe driving behaviour that we sadly still encounter.
After spotting he was being filmed, the driver quickly put both hands firmly on the steering wheel
A driver is caught using their mobile phone as part of a crackdown on drivers using their devices at the wheel
More than 33,254 offences have been recorded since the ‘Operation Tramline’ unmarked HGV cabs safety initiative was launched by National Highways in 2015
‘Hundreds of thousands of drivers use our roads every day and the vast majority are sensible behind the wheel but some are putting themselves and others at risk.
‘Through this week of action we want to encourage motorists to think about their driving and to adopt safer behaviours.
‘But those who continue to pose a risk should be aware that we are working with our police partners to make sure they are spotted and prevented from causing serious harm to themselves or others.’
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing Operations, Commander Kyle Gordon, added: ‘We are pleased to be working with our key partner National Highways once again as we work to reduce the danger caused on one of our busiest roads, and beyond, by drivers who allow themselves to be distracted while driving.
‘Too many people are killed or seriously injured on our roads every year.
‘My officers have to visit the families of those killed on our roads, 5 times a day, every day of the week and every month of the year.
‘I am very happy to support all initiatives that can help reduce these numbers.’
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