Suffolk police stop over 200 vehicles in crackdown

Suffolk police detected the offences using a HGV 'supercab' in a week-long operation to expose drivers' wrongdoings.

The HGV tractor used in Operation Tramline was provided to the police by National Highways, allowing officers to subtly carry out patrols across Suffolk's roads and use the elevated position to easily detect criminals.

The operation took place between Monday, October 28 and Friday, November 1.

In total, 220 vehicles were stopped, including 81 HGVs and 51 smaller goods vehicles.

A total of 250 drivers were caught offending and were issued with Traffic Offence Reports, with some committing more than one crime.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving and 201 Traffic Offence Reports were issued.

One driver of a 44-tonne HGV was discovered to be disqualified and another driver of a 44-tonne HGV was caught watching porn behind the wheel while driving.

Another driver was caught smoking in the cab of a fuel bowser. Four prohibitions were issued and a prosecution file will be served on the company.

Eighty-three drivers were caught not wearing a seatbelt (Image: Norfolk & Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team) PC Wayne Sturman, of the commercial vehicle unit at Suffolk police, said: "It never ceases to amaze me that we continue to detect such a high number of offences every time we run this operation.

“Although a high percentage of these are drivers putting themselves at risk by not wearing a seat belt, there were also a significant number of drivers not in proper control of their vehicle – including those using a mobile phone – or driving without due care and attention, all of which I think everyone would agree is of particular concern – especially if this relates to HGV drivers.

“There were also a high number of vehicles that were unroadworthy or with insecure loads, which are equally dangerous offences. The highlighted case of the man watching a video will shock people I’m sure, along with the sheer stupidity of smoking when you have a fuel bowser behind you.  

“Our thanks once again goes to National Highways for providing us with the HGV tractor unit free of charge. This enables us to carry-out enforcement in respect of this group of road users, who are in control of the biggest and therefore potentially most dangerous vehicles on the roads.”

Suffolk's police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore (Image: Newsquest)

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, added: “Another set of impressive results from the constabulary although I’m absolutely staggered by the mindless stupidity of two of the drivers risking their own lives, and the lives of others, by watching a video and smoking in close proximity to a fuel tank – it absolutely beggars belief. I am just glad officers were able to identify this madness and deal with the drivers accordingly.

“I also find it very disappointing that drivers still need to be reminded about something so obvious as putting on a seat belt or not using a mobile phone – there really is no excuse for that at all."