Motorists caught on camera driving along motorway while watching films on their mobile phones
By James Smith
20th Mar 2023 | Local News
Shocking footage shows the moment two separate motorists were caught on camera driving along the motorway watching films on their mobile phones.
The reckless drivers were just two of 100 motorists rumbled over a three day period during a crackdown by police between February 27 and March 1 this year.
Warwickshire Police used an unmarked HGV 'supercab' to patrol the M40, M6, M69 and A46 to capture drivers on camera breaking the law.
A car driver was reported for watching a movie on his phone while driving at 55mph on the motorway while a van driver was also caught doing the same.
A provisional licence holder was intercepted by cops driving to their driving test without any supervision.
Another driver who was reported for driving without due care and attention and speeding having only had his licence for three days.
One motorist was caught speeding at 115mph on the M40 while officers also arrested an illegal immigrant.
In addition, 23 drivers were caught using their mobile phone. 23 were not wearing seatbelts and 12 were caught speeding.
Officers also dealt with seven drivers for not being in proper control of their vehicle, two for driving with no insurance and three vehicles were seized.
In total, 47 were issued with Traffic Offence Reports and one driver received a Graduated Fixed Penalty.
Police Sergeant Shaun Bridle said "During this operation, I observed at first-hand how the majority of HGV drivers we saw are careful drivers, with seat belts being worn and no mobiles being used.
"However there is still much work to be done in educating van and car drivers with at least three of them likely to be disqualified and losing their jobs as a result of the choices they made driving through Warwickshire.
"It's extremely disappointing especially during the NPCC mobile phone campaign to see so many mobile phone offences.
"Please do not underestimate these offences, as driving whilst distracted can lead to death and injury to the driver and innocent people using the road network.
"As long as we continue to see drivers not complying with the law, we will plan more operations over the coming months.
"We also need drivers to take responsibility by avoiding these high risk behaviours whilst driving."
"To support our aim of making Warwickshire's roads as safe as possible, we are training more officers to be qualified HGV drivers to join the Op Tramline team."
National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Coordinator, Marie Biddulph, said: "We supply the unmarked HGV cabs to our police partners because we want to challenge unsafe driving and force motorists to think about their behaviour behind the wheel.
"It is frustrating to see so many people still putting themselves and others at risk on our roads.
"But those who continue to do so should be aware that our Operation Tramline HGVs are out there and can spot dangerous behaviour – whatever vehicle you are driving."
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