POLICE used undercover HGVs to spot drivers breaking the law on the motorway last week in an attempt to 'decrease the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads'.

West Mercia Police teamed up with Highways England in Operation Tramline, a joint national operation aimed at changing driver behaviour.

Operation Tramline involves roads policing officers driving an unmarked HGV cab to give them a clear view of all road users, including drivers of large vehicles. This is the second time this year that the operation has taken place.

A plain white HGV tractor unit loaned to West Mercia Police by Highways England has been used over last week giving an elevated position allowing police officers to film risky behaviour, such as mobile phone use and seatbelt use, within passing vehicles and to deal with these offences as appropriate.

The Operation has been in place to crack down on offenders who continue to break the law and to help decrease the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Highways England road network (motorways and major trunk roads).

During the week long operation 85 offences were detected on the motorway, such as non seatbelt use, mobile phone use, speeding, insecure loads, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and not in proper control of the vehicle.

Superintendent, Mel Crowther, of West Mercia Police said: “It’s concerning that there are still motorists using our road network that are willing to risk their own and others safety by concentrating on things other than driving.

"Officers have witnessed a number of drivers speeding, not wearing seatbelts and using their phones behind the wheel. There have been various education campaigns highlighting these issues so there really is no excuse for people not to know what the law states or the penalties they can receive when they are caught.

"This Operation is a great demonstration of joint partnership working with Highways England where the ultimate aim is to improve road safety for all and reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads”.

Highways England assistant regional safety coordinator, Marie Biddulph, added: “We know that the majority of drivers who use our roads every day are sensible and safe behind the wheel but it is disappointing so see how many people are still putting themselves and others at risk by simply ignoring the law.

"Operation Tramline could not operate without our police partners and we are very grateful to West Mercia Police for helping us to tackle such dangerous driving on our roads. We hope that through our continuing partnership and use of the supercabs we can encourage all motorists to think about their driving behaviour.”