More than 100 motorists have been caught breaking the law in a five-day undercover operation on South Yorkshire’s motorway network, as police vow to crack down on dangerous driving and make the roads safer
Using an unmarked HGV cab, roads policing officers patrolled the M1, M18, and A1 corridors, capturing shocking footage of 120 drivers committing offences that put countless lives at risk.
The operation uncovered motorists using mobile phones, driving without seatbelts, and failing to pay due care and attention — with some drivers even seen rolling cigarettes or scrolling through social media behind the wheel.
Of those stopped, 61 were HGV drivers, 24 were LGV drivers, and 35 were car drivers. Eleven drivers were caught using their mobile phones, 42 were not wearing seatbelts, four were speeding, and 23 were found illegally stopping or driving on the hard shoulder. Additionally, seven vehicles were found with insecure loads, two drivers had failed to adhere to a Red X lane closure, and 33 drivers were identified as not being in proper control of their vehicles.
The unmarked HGV cab gives officers a unique vantage point to observe motorists’ behaviour, especially those driving larger vehicles. Officers say the operation is vital in highlighting the responsibility drivers have to keep themselves and others safe.
Roads Policing Officer PC Nathan Warrilow, who led the operation, said: “Driving a vehicle comes with a great responsibility, and those who fail to abide by the laws and risk innocent people’s lives will be dealt with.
“We’re grateful to use the unmarked cab from National Highways to educate and deter offenders. This is not about targeting drivers of larger vehicles, but we can’t ignore the fact that HGVs and LGVs have a far greater potential to cause harm in a collision.
“The ‘Fatal4’ — using a mobile phone, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding, and failing to wear a seatbelt — are the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes in South Yorkshire. These are choices every driver can control.
“It’s not worth the risk. Let’s all work together to create safer roads for everyone.”
Police reminded the public that they are all too often faced with delivering the devastating news of a loved one lost in a collision, and stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility.
