Trucker caught changing shirt while driving at Grantham

Forty one vehicles have been stopped on the A1 in Grantham during a three day operation targeting large goods vehicles.

Operation Tramline saw Lincolnshire police officers, supported by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, out in an unmarked HGV lorry.

During the three days of action, 41 vehicles were stopped; 25 HGVs, 4 LGVs, public service vehicle, and 11 cars. All 41 vehicles had committed a motoring offence, with some committing two offences. There were 49 offences identified in total.

Inspector Ewan Gell from Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Our operation uncovered some very dangerous offences. We witnessed one man steering a car with his knees as he used two hands to type on a mobile phone.

“In another incident, a woman was on her phone, holding it to ear, for several miles traveling at speed even though she had her hands free in the car.

“We then witnessed a lorry driver take his seat belt off, remove his t-shirt and reach into his bag, get clean shirt, no doubt to put on, before he realised we’d seen him.

“There was also a tired driver that was weaving all over the carriageway and went off the carriageway onto the verge a couple of times before we managed to get him stopped.

“We are always disappointed when people take risks with their lives and other people’s lives, and it is particularly shocking when those drivers are in charge of a large goods vehicle which has the potential to do such huge damage. Some of these people also risk their jobs by carrying out these offences.

 “Whilst it is pleasing to see that we were able to take positive action against these drivers who flouted the law, it is disappointing that they took the risk in committing the offence in the first place.

 “We work around the clock to keep our roads as safe as we possibly can and we will continue with these operations in order to do so.”

Offences are as follows:

Mobile phone – 6

Seatbelt – 23

Speed – 3

Not in control – 10

Construction and use offences – 3

Due care – 2

Excess weight – 1

Drivers’ hours – 1

Of the 49 offences, nine verbal warnings were given, 33 traffic offence reports were issued – this means the driver will either be offered an education course, handed a fine and points on their licence or go to court.

Two graduated penalties were given out for weight and driving hours. These fines are graduated from £100 to £500.

One prohibition to prevent the vehicle moving was handed out.

Operation Tramline is a national operation, supported by NPCC, working in partnership with Highways England. It focuses on seatbelt, mobile phone, careless and dangerous driving offences.