Over driving 140 offences detected during police operation across Suffolk
Officers used an HGV as part of a roads policing operation
Police in Suffolk stopped 142 vehicles and detected over 140 offences, as part of a roads policing operation.
It was part of Operation Tramline where officers used an HGV tractor unit to carry out patrols across the county’s road network. The elevated position allowed them to detect drivers of all types of vehicle who were committing offences.
The initiative took place between Monday 7 April and Friday 11 April on the A14, A12 and A11.
A total of 142 vehicles were stopped, including 50 HGVs and 47 smaller goods vehicles.
145 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence.
125 TORs were issued, including for the following offences:
49 for not wearing a seat belt
33 for using a mobile phone
25 for construction and use (roadworthiness offences)
11 for an insecure load
11 for driving without due care
six for not being in proper control
four for speeding
PC Terry Harvey, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: "We run this operation several times a year, most recently just over two months ago, and we continue to detect a consistent number of offences – on average between 25 and 30 per day.
“This is very disappointing as I would’ve hoped the message would’ve begun to get through to drivers – many of whom are professional and drive for their living. This demonstrates why it is so important for us to keep running this operation.
“The offences we detect are not trivial – they could be a matter of life and death. It is incumbent on all road users to obey the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and any loads are properly secured.
“We are again most grateful to National Highways for providing us with the HGV tractor unit free of charge. This enables us to carry-out enforcement in respect of this group of road users, who are in control of the biggest and therefore potentially most dangerous vehicles on the roads.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Suffolk’s major road network is a crucial part of our national infrastructure. Keeping the traffic flowing and all road users safety is an absolute priority for the Constabulary.
“It is very regrettable that such days of action are needed because of the appalling attitude taken by a small minority of drivers. Their cavalier and wanton disregard shown towards road safety in general is utterly contemptable and the sooner these people are removed from our highways the better for everyone else.
“The level of recorded offences fully justifies the force’s work and I would like to express my great appreciation for another successful day of action.”