Police launch new road safety bid

Last week West Mercia Police teamed up with Highways England in Operation Tramline, a joint national operation aimed at changing driver behaviour.

Operation Tramline involves roads policing officers driving an unmarked HGV cab to give them a clear view of all road users, including drivers of large vehicles.

A plain white HGV tractor unit loaned to West Mercia Police by Highways England has been used over last week giving an elevated position allowing police officers to film risky behaviour, such as mobile phone use and seatbelt use, within passing vehicles and to deal with these offences as appropriate.

The operation has been in place to crack down on offenders who continue to break the law and to help decrease the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Highways England road network.

During the week long operation 67 offences were detected on the motorway, such as non seatbelt use, mobile phone use, speeding and not in proper control of the vehicle.

Superintendent Mel Crowther of West Mercia Police said: “It’s concerning that there are still motorists using our road network that are willing to risk their own and others’ safety by concentrating on things other than driving.

“There are education campaigns that highlight various road safety issues, such as seatbelt use and using a mobile phone so there is no excuse for people not to know what the law states or the penalties they can receive when they are caught.

“This operation is a great demonstration of joint partnership working with Highways England 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.”

Highways England assistant regional safety co-ordinator Marie Biddulph added: “We know that the majority of drivers who use our roads every day are sensible and safe behind the wheel but it is disappointing so see how many people are still putting themselves and others at risk.”