Police in Norfolk stopped 147 vehicles and detected more than 180 offences, after targeting drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) during a week-long operation.
Known as Operation Tramline, it saw police provided with an HGV tractor unit by National Highways which allowed officers to carry out patrols on the A47 and focus on offences committed by lorry drivers.
They were looking for drivers failing to wear their seatbelt and behaviour which distracted their attention such as using mobile phones or watching videos. Supporting police officers were then on hand to pull-over any offenders.
A total of 147 vehicles were stopped, including 44 HGVs, 12 LGVs, two public service vehicles and 86 private vehicles. Three agricultural vehicles were stopped for using a mobile phone.
181 offences were detected and the drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), some having committed more than one offence.
These offences include:
62 x no seatbelt
22 x use of mobile phone
20 x construction and use
8 x insecure load
7 x driving without due care
6 x speeding
5 x no insurance
2 x drivers hours
1 x not in proper control
1 x crime
47 x other (this could include window tint, registration plates and overweight loads)
Officers issued 126 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) and issued words of advice to 21 drivers. 19 prohibition notices (PG9) were served and five drivers were referred to the Traffic Commissioner.
Sgt Ade Hales, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “The sheer volume of drivers choosing not to wear a seatbelt whilst they are driving is incredibly worrying. It takes seconds and could save your life.
“People die as a result of not wearing a seatbelt, it is as simple as that.
“Working with National Highways on operations such as these allow for us to reduce the risk to the road users of Norfolk by removing the threat distracted drivers pose. We will continue to work to raise awareness and educate the public about the risks surrounding distracted driving.”