HGV driver caught watching Dr Who on motorway

Police have expressed concern at the “reckless” and “worrying” actions of HGV drivers they caught on motorways using face time and watching TV programmes behind the wheel.

Warwickshire force conducted a five-day operation on the county’s motorways and detected almost 200 offences by drivers.

However, they said 42% of the offences identified were drivers of HGVs and they said behaviours needed to change.

Two lorry drivers were filmed using face time while driving on the M40. Another was seen watching Dr Who whilst his phone was in a cradle in front of him.

Both of these drivers and the haulage companies they work for have been reported to the Traffic Commissioner, in addition to the courts.

Sgt Carl Stafford from the commercial vehicle unit CVU said: “Although the figures are a great representation of the worth of the HGV in helping to keep our roads safe, such reckless actions as using face time whilst driving and the high number of offences detected is worrying.

“The two most prominent offences detected over this operation were failure to wear a seat belt (62 offences) and using a mobile phone and we are asking the minority of people who commit these offences to please change their behaviour.

“To hold a driving licence is a privilege and a responsibility, especially those driving larger commercial vehicles, and we will continue to focus our enforcement activities on drivers who are putting themselves and the public at risk on our roads.”