ALMOST 50 drivers were stopped and reported for a variety of driving offences on the region’s motorways in just three days as West Mercia Police and Highways England put their specialist unmarked ‘spotter’ HGV back on the road.
‘Operation Tramline’ was launched last year and the raised position of officers in the lorry cab means they can easily spot the use of mobile phones, speeding, not wearing seat belts and those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
On its first day 16 vehicles were stopped on the M5, M42 and M50 for a variety of offences including no MoTs or insurance. One was caught drug-driving.
The following day 15 vehicles were pulled over.
Officers also cracked down on uninsured drivers as part of ‘Operation Tutelage’.
More than 20 uninsured cars were taken off the road from last week, including four in Bromsgrove, three in Redditch and two in Droitwich.
Wednesday was the busiest day with nine drivers caught.
And in the most dramatic incident of the week a car stolen in Bristol was brought to a standstill by police at Junction 4 of the M5 near Bromsgrove.
The day before, Tuesday, six vehicles were taken off the roads. One was found to be on false plates and one in Hopwood was wanted for several bilkings – making off without paying for fuel – as well as having no insurance.
One driver was caught in a Jaguar using his mobile phone at the wheel and had no insurance or valid driving licence.
