Greater Manchester Police recorded 88 driving offences over a four-day period as part of the nationwide Operation Tramline road safety campaign.
The operation is a collaboration between National Highways and police forces up and down the country and has been running since 2015.
The force was using one of the new HGV Tractor Units which allow them a higher vantage point as they travel along Manchester’s road network, allowing them a clear view into cars, vans, and even the cabs of other lorries.
Operation Tramline took place between 11 and 14 April this year, with GMP gathering evidence from video cameras mounted in the cab.
Offences included driving while using a mobile phone – one of the ‘fatal four’ – as well as not wearing a seatbelt, crossing the central verge, and insecure loads.
Officers in the cab would identify a driver committing an offence before informing colleagues in accompanying cars or motorcycles who would then intercept the motorist in question.
Some 40 of the 88 eight recorded offences involved distracted driving with drivers using their mobile phone at the wheel, which carries a fine of up to £2000 and six penalty points.
Drivers who have held their licence for less than two years will lose it.
Sergeant Jacques at GMP’s Traffic unit said: “Operation Tramline has become one of the most significant operations that we are involved in, as it is about combating the ‘Fatal Four’ offences that cause serious road traffic collisions.
“Those being, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone and speeding.
“Unfortunately, we are still seeing road users get behind the wheel and commit offences which are completely unacceptable.
“Our presence on the roads of Greater Manchester has helped towards ensuring that these kind of offences are less likely in the future with tickets being handed out not just on Operation Tramline but on a daily basis.
“Our thanks go to National Highways for providing us with the HGV tractor which enables us to carry out enforcement.
“We will be carrying this operation out at multiple points throughout the year, so if you are committing a driving offence, let this be a warning that we will be coming for you.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
