190 points and a large sum of fines have been issued to drivers on South Yorkshire roads between 25th – 29th September of this year.
South Yorkshire Police took to the M1, M18 and A1 in an attempt to reduce the number of deaths and injuries.
Named Operation Tramline, a government-run road safety project issues an unmarked HGV Cab to identify careless drivers who pose a risk to other road users.
Roads Policing Inspector Peter Heginbotham said: “Every year just under 450 people are killed on the UK’s motorways and major A roads. In total, we dealt with 137 road traffic offences during the operation. The tractor cab allowed us to clearly see into other road users’ vehicles, including lorries, which are higher up and down into cars to see when drivers have their phones on their laps.”
Fines and points have been given to drivers for offences including driving without a seatbelt, using a mobile phone whilst driving, driving without due care, stopping on the hard shoulder, speeding, and even watching TV.
Police Inspector Higginbotham went on to say in a press release; “The purpose of participating in these national operations is to catch drivers committing offences before they could cause a potentially serious or fatal road traffic collision. We take every opportunity to participate in these operations, tackling reckless driving in the area.”
Criminals caught driving their vehicle without having a seatbelt on will receive a fine of £100. Similarly, a £200 fine will be issued, and six points added to a license for getting caught driving whilst using a mobile phone.
In conclusion, he added; “Our dedication to making the roads of South Yorkshire as safe as possible can be seen through the excellent examples of teamwork shown by officers and in the results we produce.
“We urge road users to familiarise themselves with driving laws and the national highway code, to keep themselves and other drivers as safe as possible.”
Image courtesy of South Yorkshire Police