Traffic news: M4 drivers caught by police’s unusual tool
Officers in an unmarked HGV can spot motorists who are using handheld mobile phones, not wearing seatbelts, and keeping their cars in a dangerous condition on the M4 between junctions 14 and 18. Once the spotter has seen and captured evidence of a driver breaking the law, the trailing convoy of marked police cars is informed and the offender is safely stopped. This process enables the county force to effectively police all types of vehicles on the motorway.
Operation Tramline runs multiple times a year and aims to target drivers who commit any of the fatal five offences, which are driving while using a mobile phone, drink or drug driving, driving at excess speed, failing to wear a seat belt, and careless driving. Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser? Subscribe to get rid of adverts, enjoy access to our digital archives, read exclusive stories and much more!
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[embedded content] Sgt Bott, from Wiltshire’s Roads Policing Team, said: “The large policing presence which descended on the M4 was a strong deterrent to any would-be offenders.
“While some of the offences may seem insignificant, they are being committed by people controlling vehicles weighing several tonnes when a momentary lapse in concentration could result in a fatal collision. “Operation Tramline sends a strong message to those individuals – you are not invisible from the height of your HGV cab, and you will face prosecution if you are caught breaking the law.” 
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References
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- ^ October 23, 2024 (twitter.com)
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