Over 200 offences detected during roads policing operation

Norfolk Police stopped over 180 vehicles during an operation targeting drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

Operation Tramline, supported by National Highways, saw officers provided with an HGV tractor unit by National Highways which allows teams to carry out patrols across the county’s strategic road network and focus on offences committed by lorry drivers.  

The initiative took place between Saturday 13 April and Saturday 27 April and is the second time it has run in 2024.

The HGV tractor unit - driven by a police officer - provides an ideal vantage point meaning officers can look directly into the cabs of other lorry drivers, whilst also dealing with any offending motorists driving vans or cars. They were looking for drivers failing to wear their seatbelt and behaviour which distracted their attention such as using mobile phones or watching videos. Supporting police officers were then on hand to pull-over any offenders.

A total of 183 vehicles were stopped, including 51 HGVs, 33 LGVs and 99 smaller vehicles. 229 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence. 

A staggering 71 individuals were choosing not to wear a seatbelt which made up 31% of the offences recorded during the operation.

Officers issued 167 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), arrested three people, and issued words of advice to 13 drivers. Four vehicles were seized and seven drivers were referred to the Traffic Commissioner. Over £6,000 worth of fines were given to drivers throughout the two weeks with the majority being the result of an overweight vehicle. One vehicle was found to be 79.4% overweight.

One driver was stopped for a registration plate offence. Officers found he had previously been stopped for the same offence and failed to appear at court. As a result, a warrant had been issued for his arrest and he was detained as a result.

Another man was stopped for speeding. He was also found to be driving under the influence of drugs and promptly arrested. 

Sgt Ade Hales, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “We are seeing a dangerously high number of people who think it is acceptable to not wear a seatbelt this year.

“It is the simplest safety precaution you can take when travelling in a vehicle and ultimately it can save your life. 

“It has been the law for drivers to wear a seatbelt for the past 40 years. We should not be having to remind you.”