Two motorists were caught watching YouTube videos on their mobile phones during Operation Tramline last month. Supported by National Highways, the operation saw police using an HGV tractor unit to monitor offences committed by lorry drivers on major roads.
During a five-day operation from 1st to 8th March, Norfolk Police stopped 132 vehicles and detected over 130 offences while patrolling the A47 and A11. Officers from the Roads and Armed Policing Team conducted the enforcement.
The HGV tractor unit, driven by a police officer, provides a clear view into the cabs of lorry drivers, allowing officers to spot those failing to wear seatbelts or engaging in distracting activities such as using mobile phones or watching videos. Supporting officers were then deployed to pull over offenders.
Of the 132 vehicles that were stopped, it included 24 HGVs, 37 LGVs, 68 private cars and three others. In total, 137 offences were recorded, with some drivers committing multiple violations. Those caught received Traffic Offence Reports (TORs).
The offences included:
• 10 cases of mobile phone use
• 22 drivers not wearing a seatbelt (17 of whom were HGV drivers)
• 1 driver not in proper control
• 10 speeding offences
• 19 uninsured vehicles
• 39 construction and use violations
• 1 violation of driver’s hours regulations
• 17 cases of careless driving
• 9 insecure loads
• 1 drink/drug driving offence
• 8 other offences
As a result, officers issued 96 TORs, arrested three individuals and provided verbal warnings to 20 drivers. Some of the most shocking incidents included a driver applying makeup while steering and checking her rear-view mirror, as well as an HGV driver caught filming police officers during the operation.
Sergeant Ade Hales, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, commented: “It is totally unacceptable to watch a TV programme, film or music video while driving, particularly on a dual carriageway.
People must keep their full concentration on the task at hand – driving – and not engage with any devices. Any interaction with a mobile phone, including recording other road users, will result in prosecution, which could lead to a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence.
There is a growing trend of using FaceTime, WhatsApp, Snapchat video calls and YouTube streaming while driving, which poses a severe risk to other road users. Not only are you endangering your own life, but also that of others.
We will always prosecute such offences. The safest approach is to wait until you have stopped and parked safely before interacting with any device.”