UNDERCOVER cops have nabbed 83 motorists driving with phones and without seatbelts in three days by using a ‘fake’ HGV.
The force set up Operation Tramline with National Highways and National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence using an unmarked HGV on the M4.
In just 72 hours, cops slapped motorists with 83 offences – mostly for drivers using their phone behind the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt.
“The HGV gives us an elevated view into vehicles using this busy stretch of road so we can better detect offences such as mobile phone use,” PC Luke Hobbs said.
“Whilst the majority are law abiding drivers, it is always shocking to see just what some of these drivers think they can get away with – all whilst in control of a vehicle which can be up to 44 tonnes in weight with the potential to cause significant and serious harm to others.
“Last week alone, we saw drivers watching films on their phones or tablets whilst behind the wheel, overloaded vehicles which can pose a real danger to other road users, and drivers showing a complete disregard for the speed limit.”
Inspector Will Ayres, of the Roads Policing Unit, added: “Operation Tramline is an excellent initiative which forms part of our commitment to keeping Wiltshire’s roads safe by targeting those committing fatal five offences.
“These are offences most likely to contribute to death and serious injury on the roads and include drink/drug driving, careless driving, driving at excess speed, driving without a seatbelt or using a mobile phone.
“This operation coincided with a trial of new Artificial Intelligence cameras provided by Acusensus, being rolled out by National Highways to spot drivers failing to wear seatbelts or using mobile phones.
“It is hoped the presence of these cameras will help enhance the work of our Roads Policing Unit and further reduce the number of individuals taking risks when driving and causing serious collisions.
“We are committed to trialling new innovative projects to keep the roads safe and make the road users of Wiltshire feel safer.”
Some motorheads flocked to the comments to question whether the HGV was indeed a fake.
“So its a car disguised as an HGV? It looks like a real HGV to me,” One user said.
A second added: “Looks real to me.”
Other users applauded cops for reprimanding law-breaking drivers.
“Good, I’m tired of idiots on their phones weaving all over the place,” another said.
Police are also cracking down on drivers using mobile phones and driving by using cameras mounted 21ft above motorways.
The mobile phone and seat belt unit uses artificial intelligence and sends images to an officer to be checked.
Those breaking the law will then be prosecuted.
The unmarked mobile traps have already been deployed in Warwickshire, Merseyside, East and West Sussex.
Safer Roads Humber is now working with National Highways in trialling the van, which has been deployed across the Humber region this week, the MailOnline reported.
A National Highways spokesman said there is currently no commitment to deploy this further than East Yorkshire, but will work will police to review data in a bid to make the road network safer.
