A VAN driver seen rolling a suspected cannabis joint, who later tested positive for cannabis and cocaine – was just one of 200 offences spotted by police on the region’s motorways.
Officers from West Midlands Roads Policing Unit (RPU) took part in Operation Tramline, on the M5, M6, M42, and A38(M) between October 18 and 25.
Op Tramline, a project running across the country in partnership with National Highways, sees trained officers using an unmarked HGV to detect and deal with traffic offences as they happen.
The height of the lorry means officers can clearly see into other vehicles.
As well as the van driver officers reportedly saw a lorry driver, transporting flammable liquids, holding a cup in one hand and a spoon in the other, eating a meal while driving and a taxi being driven unprofessionally, where the driver turned out to be using his mobile phone.
Of the 195 offences dealt with, 50 were drivers using their mobile phone, while 34 were not wearing a seatbelt – two of the “fatal four” main causes of road traffic collisions.
A total of 11 insecure load offences were recorded as well as 11 drivers without insurance, and five drivers in prohibited vehicles using the outside lane.
Officers also seized 10 vehicles.
Sergeant Sarah Phillips, from RPU, said: “We’re grateful to our partners at National Highways for working with us on Operation Tramline, which allows us to use the HGV to great effect.
“As the numbers show, it has meant we’ve been able to detect and deal with offences happening in real-time, offences that are undoubtedly putting other road users at risk.
“Some of the examples are truly shocking, and I hope they act as a reminder to drivers to think about their behaviour.
“Our traffic officers are patrolling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to catch offenders and keep road users safe across the West Midlands.”
National Highways regional safety programme manager, Marie Biddulph, said: “This year has seen the 10th anniversary of the launch of Operation Tramline – a decade working, with police, to persuade motorists to think carefully about their driving behaviours and ultimately to make our roads safer.
“So it is disappointing to see some of the unsafe behaviours happening on our roads including 50 people using their mobile phone at the wheel. You’re four times more likely to be in a collision if using a phone at the wheel.
“But we do know that these drivers, those prepared to put themselves and others at risk, are the minority. So we will continue to work with the police and road users to help us collectively achieve our long-term ambition that no-one is harmed on our roads.”
