Drivers who continue to use mobile phones or ‘forget’ to use their seat belts whilst driving are being targeted by a police operation to crack down on offenders who continue to break the law.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is supporting a joint national operation between police and Highways England, aimed at changing driver behaviour.

‘Operation Tramline’ is in place to help decrease the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Highways England road network (motorways and major trunk roads).

A plain white HGV tractor unit has been operated by West Mercia Police a number of times already this year and recently been in operation along the M5, with more dates planned over the coming weeks. The elevated position of the cab allows police officers to film unsafe driving behaviour within passing vehicles and to deal with these offences as appropriate.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I welcome this innovative operation and partnership approach to changing the behaviours of drivers. It’s great to have the support of Highways England as we look to tackle the problem of people driving dangerously and without care on our roads. I had the privilege of seeing it first-hand and I was incredibly impressed with the HGV cab and the officers involved. I hope to see this operation change the behaviour of drivers and ultimately reduce the number of people committing offences and putting lives at risk on our roads.”

Inspector Gavin Williams of West Mercia Police said; “It’s concerning that there are still motorists using our road network that are willing to risk their own and others safety by concentrating on things other than driving.”