Police target tailgaters
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by Nicky Clarke • Cheshire police are cracking down on tailgating by HGV drivers in a campaign that is expected to land many drivers in court.
Unmarked patrol cars fitted with speed detection devices are following drivers on the M6, M56, M62 and M53 and taking videos of them.
Drivers who tailgate are stopped and shown a recording of their driving behaviour. The videos are then being used as evidence to prosecute.
"A huge number of people are being warned and advised about their driving-the time has come to stop pussy footing around," says Inspector John Bennett of the motorway unit. "We intend to prosecute around 30 drivers, most of whom are HGV drivers", So far the campaign has been "depressingly successful", he adds.
"Tailgating is on the increase," says his colleague Inspector David Barnes. "There are more vehicles on the motorways and people are finding themselves forced closer to the vehicle in front."
The force's statistics show that in March tailgating was the cause of 21% of accidents on Cheshire's 200 miles of motorway. Police say a vehicle travelling at 70mph needs 96m to stop in ideal conditions, including 21m initial thinking distance. Drivers should leave at least a two-second gap between their vehicle and the one in front.
Five drivers are currently being prosecuted; four for dangerous driving and the other for careless driving. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving is disqualification, a fine of up to 15,000 and up to six months imprisonment.
There will be other campaigns on tailgating throughout the year.