Lorry drivers targeted in operation

ROAD policing officers in South Yorkshire used an unmarked HGV to allow them to see into the cabs of lorries on the move, in an operation which may now be repeated across the region.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Mar 2012, 06:00 BST

During the operation, police dealt with more than 150 offences and issued £12,130 of fixed penalty fines to those caught using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt or not being in proper control of their vehicles.

The most common offence saw 42 drivers caught using their mobile phone while driving.

Fifty-five drivers were dealt with for a variety of tachograph offences and one vehicle was seized for having no insurance.

One driver who was caught using his mobile phone said: “You caught me, carry on, you’re doing a cracking job.”

Chief inspector Stuart Walne, Head of Roads Policing in South Yorkshire said: “This latest operation has been a great success.

“With the support of Mercedes, the Road Haulage Association and colleagues from neighbouring forces I am sure these operations will continue and be expanded across the region.

“Any vehicle that is not being driven correctly can be a lethal weapon.”