Police use 'undercover HGV' to catch drivers on phones - with one seen watching film behind the wheel

Police use 'undercover HGV' to catch drivers on phones - with one seen watching film behind the wheel Operation Tramline, run by Cumbria Police, used the high vantage point of the driver's cab to check on road users. It was part of a convoy of unmarked police vehicles sent out to reduce accidents and improve road safety Police used an "undercover HGV" as part of a road safety crackdown - and caught one driver playing a film on his tablet device. Operation Tramline, run by Cumbria Police, used the high vantage point of the driver's cab to check on dangerous driving. It was part of a convoy of unmarked police vehicles sent out to reduce accidents and improve road safety. The force has used the undercover cab to tackle dangerous driving in the past, and have also used drones, which they showcased back in 2015. They found motorists using their mobile phones while driving. Others were pulled over for speeding, not using a seatbelt, driving with an insecure load, or driving a vehicle with serious defects. Police also identified and arrested a wanted person, saw a vehicle reversing the wrong way up a motorway slip road, and caught someone driving without a licence. Insp Holly Lockwood, who was in charge of the operation, said: "If you come to Cumbria and commit road traffic offences, we are here, we will be watching, and we will seek to prosecute you where necessary." One motorist was caught playing a film on a tablet in his vehicle while driving on the motorway, but said he was only using YouTube to listen to music. He was fined £100 and advised by police to place the device face down where he could not see it. "It's good advice and I will not use any YouTube or anything else in future," he said. PC James Cornish, who was behind the wheel of the undercover lorry, said: "People are used to checking their phones all the time. They don't make the conscious change in mindset when they start driving that they should." Another driver admitted people were too used to checking their phones "all the time," even on the road. Insp Lockwood added: “The specially-equipped HGV puts out officers in an elevated position. They spot poor driving behaviour which has the potential to result in serious collisions. “We are fortunate to be able to use this national asset to improve road safety on our roads. We know it is having the desired impact via the number of drivers who are aware of the operation after we have stopped them. We will continue to use all resources available to us in our effort to target those people whose driver behaviour puts all road users at risk.” The lorry is one of the many tactics used by police to crackdown on dangerous driving. Almost 1,000 motorists were caught putting lives at risk by using their phones or failing to wear seatbelts on the A1(M) in just seven days in 2024. Meanwhile a trial of new artificial intelligence (AI) camera technology installed near Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham flagged up a shocking 951 driving offences, including 622 drivers using mobile phones and 329 failing to wear a seatbelt. The AI cameras captured images from dual angles, allowing police to see directly into vehicles, including into the driver’s lap, where many attempt to conceal their phones. The images are then reviewed by an officer, and those found breaking the law were prosecuted Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Dangerous and anti-social driving is an issue that is raised with me time and time again by residents. Operation Tramline is a brilliant initiative to help catch those committing roads offences – there is no hiding dangerous behaviour as officers can spot it from a high vantage point. “The message is clear: if you are driving in a dangerous or anti-social manner in Cumbria, you will be caught and face the consequences. Don’t assume that just because you cannot see the Police that they are not there." It is illegal to hold and use any hand-held mobile phone device whilst driving. The law still applies if you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver. Failure to comply can land you with a £200 fine and six points on your licence. This means you should not use a device in your hand for any reason; this includes: - Illuminating the screen - Checking the time - Checking notifications - Unlocking the device - Making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet-based call - Sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content - Sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video - Utilising camera, video, or sound recording functionality - Drafting any text - Accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages - Accessing an application (such as Sat Nav or music) - Accessing the internet.