HGV ‘supercab’ helps Suffolk Police stop more than 140 vehicles on A11, A12 and A14 for Operation Tramline

An HGV ‘supercab’ helped officers stop more than 140 vehicles earlier this month.

Multiple agencies from Suffolk Police took part in Operation Tramline between April 7 and 11 in a bid to clamp down on road offences on the A11, A12 and A14.

For this, police were given a HGV tractor unit by National Highways, which gives officers a vantage point to monitor the cabs of other lorries.

During the five days of action, 142 vehicles were stopped, including 50 HGVs and 47 smaller goods vehicles.

A total of 145 offences were detected, with 125 traffic offence reports being handed.

Of these, 49 were for not wearing a seatbelt, 33 for using a mobile phone at the wheel and 25 for roadworthiness.

A further 11 vehicles had insecure loads, 11 more drove without due care, six drivers were not in proper control of their vehicles and four were caught speeding.

In addition, one graduated fixed penalty notice was issued. A total of £100 in fines were dished out and 15 people were advised.

PC Terry Harvey, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said the operation was run several times per year and they detect a consistent number of offences.

This means an average of 25 to 30 per day.

Operation Tramline has now entered its 10th year.

Mr Harvey said: “This is very disappointing as I would’ve hoped the message would have begun to get through to drivers – many of whom are professional and drive for their living. This demonstrates why it is so important for us to keep running this operation.

“The offences we detect are not trivial – they could be a matter of life and death.

“It is incumbent on all road users to obey the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and any loads are properly secured.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said keeping Suffolk’s roads safe was a priority for officers as they form a key part of its infrastructure.

He added: “It is very regrettable that such days of action are needed because of the appalling attitude taken by a small minority of drivers.

“Their cavalier and wanton disregard shown towards road safety in general is utterly contemptible and the sooner these people are removed from our highways the better for everyone else.

“The level of recorded offences fully justifies the force’s work and I would like to express my great appreciation for another successful day of action.”