:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-292183-1466546443-6251.jpeg.jpg)
Police are set to patrol some of the main roads in the Harrogate district in an unmarked lorry, in a bid to catch drivers who are using their mobile phones or who are driving in an unsafe manner.
North Yorkshire Police are set to patrol some of the main roads in the Harrogate district in an unmarked lorry, in a bid to catch drivers who are using their mobile phones or who are driving in an unsafe manner. It's all part of a national campaign called 'Operation Tramline', The elevated position of the HGV cab will give officers a good vantage point to clearly see what motorists are doing. If officers in the lorry spot a driver doing something unlawful, the officer in the passenger seat will record what they're doing. Then marked police cars will pull the vehicle over to deal with the driver. The truck they'll be using is owned by Highways England, who have three such vehicles which they loan out to police forces. Traffic Constable Mark Patterson, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said:
“In my time as a traffic officer, I’ve seen crashes where people have died or suffered life-changing injuries just because a motorist got distracted. “All drivers on our roads know using a mobile phone while driving is wrong. But nobody thinks they’ll be the driver that causes one of those incidents. “Catching those offences as they happen, then using enforcement and education is one way we can make our roads safer for everyone. “Using Highways England’s HGV cab during Op Tramline is an excellent way to do that, as it gives us an unparalleled vantage point.”North Yorkshire Police carried out a similar operation last Spring, during which a range of offences were detected, including: A tractor driver, who shouldn’t even have been on the motorway, driving whilst using a mobile phone who still had alcohol in his system from a previous night of drinking. A European-registered HGV with extensive collision damage which the driver was intending on driving to Dover. The vehicle was prohibited by colleagues from DVSA and he was issued on the spot fines of £900. A lorry driver who was seen rolling a cigarette while driving at motorway speed (pictured). A van driver who was observed using his mobile phone on one day and three days later stopped again for driving his vehicle in a dangerously overloaded condition. A driver who took both hands off the wheel to use his phone (pictured). A disqualified driver, driving an overweight van and trailer and using his phone at the same time. Drivers of various vehicles seen reading/checking paperwork whilst driving on the motorway. Various drivers seen talking on their phones, some completely oblivious to the fact that they were being recorded. The drivers received fixed penalty notices, which typically include a fine and points on their licence. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here
Works to start on James Street in Harrogate
Harrogate Paralympic powerlifter to represent Team GB
Ripon classic car gathering to return this weekend
'A bad idea': Ripon council objects to lower speed limit on A61
Olympics to be screened at Victoria Shopping Centre
Harrogate cyclists set off on 600km fundraising trip to Paris
Harrogate care home shortlisted for national luxury care award
Amateur Harrogate football club helps men kick excess weight
Harrogate charity ball raises £14,000 to combat loneliness in older people
Harrogate's new MP speaks in Parliament for first time
New Harrogate outpost launched off coast of Africa
Maltkiln developer updates proposals for 4,000-home settlement
Harrogate bus firm awarded world's top quality and safety benchmarks
Knaresborough choir set to perform at prestigious London venues
Three teens arrested after violent incident in Bilton
Residents battle developer at 53-home Knox Lane inquiry
Popular village pub near Knaresborough is put up for auction
Alice in Wonderland trail launched in Ripon city centre
Ripon's Passport Scheme returns for the summer
Popular Harrogate venue to host family events throughout summer
