HGV 'supercabs' patrol the M6 in a week of action to catch dodgy drivers

Lancashire Police are taking part in a week of action tackling dangerous drivers on the M6 using so-called HGV 'supercabs' .

Officers will be patrolling the motorway from today until Sunday in unmarked lorry cabs in a bid to reduce accidents.

Stats show since 2015 more than 21,000 offences across the country's roads have been spotted using them.

One driver was caught eating a lasagne with a knife and fork while on a motorway.

From their elevated viewpoint in the unmarked HGV cabs, police officers are able to spot people driving dangerously – whatever vehicle they may be in.

Among the other shocking incidents witnessed during Operation Tramline was a driver steering a lorry with his knees while eating lunch on his lap and also using his phone in the East Midlands.

Surrey Police spotted a HGV driver boiling a kettle on the dashboard and another eating pickled gherkins from a jar with his elbows on the steering wheel.

One driver was caught twice in one day – in the morning and afternoon - using their mobile phone while driving along the A38 in Derbyshire.

The footage below shows another driver veering on to the hard shoulder and back again, narrowly avoiding a collision with another HGV, while was using his mobile phone at the wheel.

But what he didn’t realise was the vehicle he almost hit was a Highways England unmarked ‘supercab.’ – and there were two police officers inside.

Under the banner of Operation Vertebrae, the campaign takes place along the length of the M6, the longest motorway in the country.

Highways England deals with around 180 reported incidents on the M6 every day. These include a large number of traffic collisions with 4,222 reported on the M6 in 2019.

Since the launch of Operation Tramline in 2015, more than 21,600 offences have been recorded. The most common offences have included:

• Using a mobile phone – 6,073

• Not wearing a seatbelt – 6,253

• Not in proper control of vehicle – 1,501

• Speeding – 1,199

In total, 19,564 vehicles were stopped in Operation Tramline between July 2015 and April 2021.

Highways England Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said:

“The Operation Tramline cabs are an important part of our commitment to tackling dangerous driving and those who take unnecessary risks with their own safety and that of others on the road.

“The number of people found using their mobile phone while driving is quite alarming. You are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone and, if caught, face a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

“Through this week of action on the M6 we want to make all of our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging motorists to consider their driving behaviour.”

Consequences for the drivers range from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons or even arrest.

In addition to the supercab patrols, partners taking part in the M6 week of action will be present at motorway services offering advice to drivers such as what to do in a breakdown and ensuring load safety.

Vehicle checks will also be carried out involving the DVSA, Health and Safety Executive and the Home Office.

Six forces are taking part in Operation Vertebrae – Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Warwickshire Police and Central Motorway Police Group, as well as the North West Commercial Vehicle Unit.