During a four-day operation, held 29 June to 2 July, roads policing officers in an unmarked HGV cab provided by National Highways caught 104 drivers committing offences

A driver caught falling asleep behind the wheel was just one of over 100 caught risking their own lives and those of innocent people during a recent operation.

Anyone can die in a collision - it’s a fact. No one gets in their car and thinks they are not going to arrive home safely, but every day, our officers see people risking their own and other people’s lives.

During a four-day operation, held 29 June to 2 July, roads policing officers in an unmarked HGV cab provided by National Highways caught 104 drivers committing offences on the motorway network.

Of those stopped, 78 were in HGVs and LGVs and 26 were in smaller vehicles below them.

Offences included 11 drivers who were found to be on their mobile phone, 30 who were found to not be wearing a seat belt, 16 who were not in proper control of their vehicle, seven who were driving without due car and others who were found to be speeding or stopping on the hard shoulder, having an insecure load or having poorly maintained vehicles.

Police officers catch drivers risking lives on our roads. | SYP

placeholder image — Police officers catch drivers risking lives on our roads. | SYP

Leading the work on the operation, Roads Policing Officer Nathan Warrilow said: “Using the height of the unmarked cab gives us a great advantage to see into vehicles of height and those below us.

“We use a camera to record the offence and colleagues behind in police cars will then stop the driver and process them for the offence.

“They hear all excuses, but the reality is even a momentary lapse of concentration is the difference between life and death.

“I have knocked on family members’ doors to tell them that their loved one has died. I have supported families through investigations and court proceedings and it’s these parts of the job that stay with you for life.

“We are the ones who pick up the pieces, and while we are doing all that we can to educate and enforce against those who pose a risk, we can’t be everywhere and need everyone to do their part and stop thinking it won’t happen to you.”

These operations are not about targeting those in larger vehicles, but it cannot be shied away from that these vehicles, often weighed with freight, can cause devastating consequences on our roads.

Driving a vehicle comes with great responsibility, please help polices spread the word, start a conversation and give the road your full attention.