Tractor driver caught on mobile phone for third time

A tractor driver was caught using his mobile phone behind the wheel, with two previous convictions for the same offence, during Operation Tramline this month.

Operation Tramline involves police using an HGV tractor unit, provided by National Highways, to carry out patrols across the county’s strategic road network and focus on offences committed by lorry drivers.  

Police in Norfolk stopped 101 vehicles and detected more than 120 offences, during a five-day operation which took place between Monday 21 October and Friday 25 October. Officers from the Roads and Armed Policing Team conducted the enforcement on the A47 and A11.

The HGV tractor unit - which was 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 101 vehicles were stopped, including 18 HGVs, 45 LGVs and 38 private goods vehicles.

121 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence. 

These offences included:

• 9 x use of mobile phone
• 26 x not wearing a seatbelt
• 3 x not in proper control
• 4 x speeding
• 2 x no insurance
• 40 x construction and use
• 2 x driver’s hours
• 6 x due care
• 8 x insecure loads
• 1 x drink/drug drive
• 20 x other

Officers issued 86 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), arrested one person, and issued words of advice to eight drivers.

Sgt Ade Hales, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “We have been telling drivers to wear a seatbelt for over 40 years, so it is shocking to see such a high volume of drivers still failing to do. It is an action which takes seconds and ultimately could save your life.

“I am thankful for the support of National Highways who enable us to complete such operations. We will continue to work to raise awareness and educate the public about the risks surrounding dangerous and distracted driving.”