A dedicated road safety operation using a specially equipped HGV cab has identified several motorists putting themselves and others at risk on Cumbria's roads.
The latest deployment of Operation Tramline, which took place week between 13th and 20th July, formed part of Cumbria Constabulary's ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads.
Operation Tramline uses an elevated HGV cab to give officers a clear view into vehicles, helping them identify dangerous driving behaviours that may otherwise go undetected.
A total of 16 traffic offence reports were issued with offences detected including:
- 10 mobile phone offences
- 5 seatbelt offences
- 1 red light offence
- 1 offence for not being in proper control of a vehicle
- 1 offence for a prohibited vehicle using the offside lane
- 1 due care offence
Officers also carried out wider road safety activity including roadside breath tests and warnings to drivers following the manner of driving observed.
Sergeant Dave Styth, Cumbria Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Operation Tramline provides officers with a unique vantage point to identify motorists who are choosing to ignore the law and engage in behaviours which significantly increase the risk of a collision.
"It is disappointing that we continue to find drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts despite the well-publicised dangers.
"A moment's distraction can have devastating consequences. These proactive operations are about preventing collisions, protecting road users and encouraging everyone to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel.
"We will continue to carry out enforcement and education activity across Cumbria as part of our commitment to making our roads safer for everyone."
Cumbria Constabulary continues to encourage all road users to play their part in reducing collisions by remaining focused on the road, wearing a seatbelt and complying with road traffic laws at all times.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said:
“Dangerous and anti-social driving is an issue that is continuously raised with me by residents and is one of the key priorities in my Police, Fire and Crime Plan.
“I’m pleased to see Cumbria Constabulary continuing to tackle dangerous driving and making our roads safer for all road users.
“The message is clear: if you are driving in a dangerous or anti-social manner in Cumbria, you will be caught and face the consequences. Don’t assume that just because you cannot see the Police that they are not there.
“I’d urge motorists to drive safely whether you are on the motorway or a country road – we all must respect the laws and one another and everyone deserves to get home safe.”