Distracted drivers caught out by police
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By Chris Tindall AN HGV DRIVER is being prosecuted after police spotted him drinking coffee while using a laptop and writing down answers to a quiz on the radio – all while driving on the motorway.
A total of 65 motorists are being prosecuted after Hampshire police used an unmarked HGV to spy on drivers following concerns raised by lorry drivers.
Sergeant Paul Diamond says that the vehicle was chosen after warnings were made by truck drivers during the community beat surgeries held each month: “HGV drivers are concerned about the number of drivers that they can see who are distracted or using mobile phones while driving.” In total, 84 vehicles were stopped by police on the M27 and M3, including 46 lorries. Police say they are prosecuting 39 drivers for using a mobile phone and 26 for being distracted or not in proper control of their vehicles.
“Under normal circumstances, it is dificult for police to observe and prosecute these offences due to the height of lorry cabs and the dificulties with viewing into the driving position,” says Sgt Diamond.
“The new Joint Operations Unit will be looking at the possibility of running a similar operation in the future to target both Hampshire and Thames Valley Police area motorway networks.” The operation comes soon after South Yorkshire police relied on an unmarked HGV to crack down on road trafic offences.
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