POLICE used an HGV to patrol motorways and other main roads across Cheshire targeting lorry drivers committing traffic offences.
As a result more than 70 drivers were caught during the week-long operation – some being dealt with at the road side and others given strict advice.
The offences targeted were careless driving, speeding, driving while using a mobile phone, drink/drug driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
In total 74 Traffic Offence Reports were issued during the operation. Of those, 43 went to driver not wearing seatbelts, 25 to those not in proper control of the vehicles and 13 to those who were using their mobile phones while driving.
Inspector Anton Sullivan, of the Cheshire Police Roads and Crime Unit, said: “Sadly, there are some drivers who think it’s acceptable to break the law and believe that they can get away with driving without wearing their seatbelts or while using their mobile phone or otherwise distracted from driving.”
The HGV used by officers was seen as a valuable tool as it allowed officers to have an elevated view enabling them to see exactly what was going on inside the cab of a lorry and to identify any offences which wouldn’t normally be seen from a patrol car.
Insp Sullivan added “I hope that the operation acts as a deterrent to lorry drivers, promotes safer roads and reiterates the fact that nobody is above the law, literally.
“The operation may have concluded but officers will be continuing to use such vehicles to patrol the road network across the county.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: “Making our roads safer is a critical issue for all communities across Cheshire and one of my top priorities. Most people will have been affected at some time by injury or death caused by road traffic collisions.
“Enforcement on our roads is a vital tool in making sure that our loved ones return home to us safe and well. There have been too many tragic deaths and serious injuries on Cheshire’s roads and motorways and I welcome any initiative that will help save lives and keep us safe.”
