Motorway drivers face unexpected £200 fines after ‘being held accountable’
HGVs supplied by National Highways placed along the M25 and M40.
12:52, 15 Oct 2025
View ImageMotorway drivers face unexpected GBP200 fines after 'being held accountable'
Drivers face being pulled over and fined under a huge M25 traffic operation and crackdown.[1] UK motorway drivers on the major stretch of road near London face a Thames Valley Police operation - and the threat of on-the-spot fines.
The crackdown saw nearly 100 vehicles stopped over four days. The operation, named Operation Tramline, saw unmarked HGVs supplied by National Highways placed along the M25 and M40.
This allowed officers to spot offences from an elevated position before intercepting drivers with marked police vehicles. During the crackdown,[2] 58 drivers were caught using mobile phones while driving, and 41 drivers were spotted without a seatbelt on.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "Operation Tramline is about keeping our roads safe. Every driver should understand that breaking the law can have serious consequences.
Using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt may seem minor, but these actions significantly increase the risk of a crash.
"The unmarked HGV allows us to monitor traffic from an elevated position. This perspective helps us spot offences that are otherwise difficult to detect and ensure that dangerous drivers are held accountable."
16 traffic tickets were issued for using mobile phones, not wearing seatbelts, and careless driving. The police shared: "Two arrests were made for drug driving, and two further arrests linked to other criminal activity, including drug supply.
"Four stop searches were carried out.
We're committed to keeping our roads safe and holding offenders accountable.
If you have concerns about dangerous or illegal driving in your area, please report it to us."
Drivers speeding face GBP100 fines but breaching more serious rules could see motorists hit with GBP5,000 fines and up to six months in prison.
Drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt can be hit with a GBP100 "on-the-spot fine" while drivers using a hand-held mobile phone while behind the wheel can be given six penalty points and a GBP200 fine.
The police spokesperson added: "We are not just issuing fines; we are sending a clear message that unsafe behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated.
"This is about saving lives, not simply enforcing rules."
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