POLICE officers recently swapped their squad cars for something slightly larger in a bid to catch careless motorway drivers.

A plain white HGV tractor unit was loaned to West Mercia Police by National Highways last week as part of a joint national push, dubbed 'Operation Tramline', aimed at changing driver behaviour.

Officers used their elevated position to film risky habits, such as mobile phone use and seatbelt use, within passing vehicles on the M5.

The operation comes as part of a crack down on offenders who continue to break the law and to help decrease the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Britain's highways.

During the week long operation, 77 offences were detected on the motorway, such as non seatbelt use, mobile phone use and driving without due care.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan of West Mercia Police said: "During this operation officers have witnessed a number of drivers not wearing seatbelts and using their phones behind the wheel.

"There have been various education campaigns highlighting these particular issues so there really is no excuse for people not to know what the law states, the penalties they can receive when they are caught or the dangers such behaviour can lead to.

"This Operation is a great demonstration of joint partnership working with National Highways 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."

National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Co-ordinator, Marie Biddulph, said: "Through Operation Tramline, and working with our police partners, we want to make our roads are as safe as they can be by making people think about their driving behaviour.

"From their elevated position in our unmarked HGV cabs, officers can spot people on the phone, not wearing their seatbelt or committing many other offences – whatever vehicle they may be driving.

"Those who flout the law are putting themselves and others at risk - you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone while driving.

"We would urge motorists to put their phones in the glovebox, concentrate on their driving and help keep our roads safe."