Police in Yorkshire use truck to spot dangerous driving practices

A lorry driver caught with his feet up on the dashboard while driving on the motorway in Yorkshire told police he was “chilling”.

The shocking moment was caught on video by officers using an unmarked HGV as part of an operation to stop dangerous driving practices on the M1, M18 and A1 last month.

Another driver was caught eating his lunch with no hands on the steering wheel while others were stopped for not wearing seatbelts, using their mobile phones and hogging the middle lane.

Over the five-day operation, 102 HGVs were stopped as well as 62 light goods vehicles.

South Yorkshire police said 20 drivers were dealt with for stopping on the hard shoulder, two drivers were speeding, three were caught driving through a red X and seven were dealt with for an insecure load.

Acting roads policing inspector Brandon Brown said: “We are committed to doing all we can to reduce road deaths and casualties on our roads, but everyone must take responsibility for their own actions and help us reduce risk.

“The Fatal4 includes offences that are the greatest contributing factors to fatal and serious collisions within South Yorkshire; using a mobile phone, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt.

“These are all things a driver can avoid doing. You can and should be in control of your own actions.

“Think, is it worth the risk? If you seriously hurt someone or kill them, you will likely be facing a significant prison sentence.”