Police shocked by HGV driver risks

A truck driver steering with his knees while using a mobile phone and another who removed his t-shirt while driving were examples found by the police during an operation targeting HGVs. Operation Tramline saw Lincolnshire police officers, supported by the DVSA, out in an unmarked lorry on the A1 in Grantham.

Inspector Ewan Gell from the force’s specialist operations unit, said the operation uncovered dangerous offences, including a tired driver that was weaving all over the carriageway and went onto the verge a couple of times before he was stopped. “We are always disappointed when people take risks with their lives and other people’s lives and it is particularly shocking when those drivers are in charge of a large goods vehicle which has the potential to do such huge damage,” he said.

“Some of these people also risk their jobs by carrying out these offences. Whilst it is pleasing to see that we were able to take positive action against these drivers who flouted the law, it is disappointing that they took the risk in committing the offence in the first place.”

Of the 49 offences discovered, nine verbal warnings were given, and 33 traffic offence reports were issued. In addition, two graduated penalties were given out for weight and driving hours. One prohibition to prevent the vehicle moving was also issued.