38 Traffic Offences Detected During Operation Tramline

A four-day operation aimed at reducing road traffic offences by using a heavy goods vehicle to detect offences has taken place in Cleveland.

From Monday 25^th March to Thursday 28^th March, Operation Tramline took place in conjunction with National Highways.  

Matrix team officers used a heavy goods vehicle to detect road traffic offences, allowing officers to see into the cabs of other HGV’s by being at the same height as well as identifying offences in other types of vehicles.

Traffic offences are recorded by an officer in the passenger seat using a video recorder, and this evidence can then be used in any potential prosecutions. 

Throughout the operation, officers stopped four heavy goods vehicles, 19 light goods vehicles and 15 private vehicles where a total of 38 offences were found.

19 drivers were found not wearing seatbelts, eight drivers using a mobile phone whilst driving, four not in proper control of a vehicle and other offences included speeding, driving without due care and an insecure load.

Those drivers were dealt with by way of fixed penalty notices, traffic offence reports and one driver was given words of advice.

Matrix Team Sergeant Mark Kewley, said: “Operation Tramline provides roads policing officers with an opportunity to detect traffic offences which might not be seen unless at height, such as in heavy goods vehicles or light goods vehicles.

“38 offences were detected throughout this operation, ranging from driving without due care, using a mobile phone whilst driving to not wearing seatbelts.

“In conjunction with National Highways, we will continue with these operations in order to raise awareness of road safety and ensure that people are abiding by the laws put in place for everyone’s safety.”

National Highways Assistant Road Safety Coordinator, Marie Biddulph, said: "It is always disappointing when we see examples of poor driver behaviour which could have severe consequences.

“We know that the majority of people do use our roads safely. But through Operation Tramline and working alongside police and other road safety partners we want to reach that high-risk minority and encourage them to think about their behaviour and habits at the wheel.

“Those who continue to put themselves and others at risk need to be aware that they can expect to be spotted.”