Footage of unsafe drivers caught on camera by police released (video)

Examples of unsafe driving have been published by National Highways ahead of a multi-agency week of action on the M6.

The newly released footage of three separate incidents includes a van driver steering with his knees while tucking into fast food.

They were all captured by Warwickshire Police while patrolling in a National Highways unmarked HGV cab over just two days as part of the Operation Tramline safety campaign. A total of 63 offences were detected.

“We know that the shocking examples identified by police in our unmarked cabs are carried out by a small minority and, thankfully, that most of the drivers on our roads are part of the law-abiding majority,” said Matt Staton, National Highways head of national road user safety delivery.

“However, those who continue to take risks such as using their mobile phone at the wheel or other things that mean that their hands are off the wheel are putting themselves and others in danger.”

In one incident, the footage shows a van driver steering with his knees as he tucks into his fast food.

With no hands on the wheel, he is seen eating a portion of fries, held in his right hand, before picking up his drink with his left hand.

Believed by police to also be on a hands-free phone call, the driver then undertakes a truck in the second lane of the M6 as he drives past Corley Services.

In a second incident, a motorist is spotted driving along the M40 with a phone in her hand, seemingly scrolling through her messages, and at one point with both hands off the wheel.

The officers then spot the driver ‘doing something’ with her laptop next to her.

She puts the phone down as police let her know they are there – after alerting their colleagues travelling behind.

The third and final piece of footage released by National Highways shows a motorist so focused on applying her make-up that she doesn’t notice the police officers driving alongside her.

Even when the officers in National Highways’ unmarked HGV cab beep the horn she carries on applying her make-up, the car swerving as she focuses on the mirror.

These are the latest in more than 46,150 offences which have been recorded by officers in the Operation Tramline HGV cabs since the national safety initiative was launched by National Highways in 2015.

The most common offences are not wearing a seatbelt (13,562) and using a mobile phone (11,965).

The HGV cabs are now being used as part of a Week of Action on the M6, taking place from Monday, June 3, to Sunday, June 9, which aims to reduce the number of incidents on the motorway.

Week of action on M6

The week-long campaign takes place along the length of the M6, the longest motorway in the country, and so has been labelled Operation Vertebrae.

National Highways deals with more than 200 reported incidents on the M6 every day – 74,960 on the road in 2023 including 3,808 traffic collisions.

Staton, said: “The Week of Action aims to make all of our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging motorists to think carefully about their driving.

“Meanwhile, thanks to our Tramline HGVs, police have been able to put a stop to incidents of driving which could have very easily resulted in serious harm on the road.”

From their elevated viewpoint in the unmarked HGV cabs, police officers are able to spot people driving dangerously – whatever vehicle they may be in.

Consequences for drivers range from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons or arrest.

Inspector Si Paull, from Warwickshire Police, said: “Our officers are very enthusiastic about taking part in operations using National Highways owned unmarked HGVs, because it allows us to intercept drivers like these who do not take driving seriously and could so easily be involved in a serious or fatal collision.

“Our aim is to save lives and, unfortunately, we are seeing too many drivers showing total disregard for their own safety and that of other road users whilst driving at motorway speeds.

“Warwickshire Police and partners will be running regular operations using the National Highways HGV this year and whilst we always choose to educate drivers first, due to the high stakes involved in some driving offences, officers will be robust in their actions against the motorists involved.”

Seven forces are taking part in Operation Vertebrae – Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Warwickshire Police and Central Motorway Police Group as well as the North West Commercial Vehicle Unit, North West Motorway Policing Group and a number of local road safety partnerships.

In addition to the HGV cab patrols and police enforcement, partners taking part in the week of action will be present at motorway services offering advice to drivers and carrying out vehicle checks.

Among those at the services will be the DVSA, Tyresafe, fire and rescue services, Project Edward and Warwickshire Police Modern Slavery team.