Kent Police’s Road Safety Unit conducted a targeted operation on the county’s motorways and the A2 using an unmarked HGV cab, dubbed the ‘supercab,’ provided by National Highways. This innovative approach gave officers an elevated vantage point to identify motorists breaking traffic laws.
The operation took place from Monday 5 to Friday 9 December 2022. During this period, officers issued 26 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) and 13 penalty notices, totalling 39 tickets for a variety of offences.
Among the offences detected were reversing up a slip lane on the M2 after missing the Gillingham junction, driving without due care and attention, towing a trailer in the third lane, speeding, ignoring seatbelt laws, and using mobile phones while driving. Notably, 13 tickets were issued specifically for mobile phone use, including one driver who was watching footage and swerving between lanes.
Additionally, two drivers received court summonses for driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing, commented on the operation: “Whilst the vast majority of motorists adhere to the rules of the road, the results of this operation show there are still too many willing to put their own safety and that of other innocent people at risk. Having access to an HGV is a great way to spot offences we might not otherwise have been able to, and is another way in which we are able to target those whose driving standards fall short of what the law expects of them.”
Colin Evans, Regional Safety Coordinator for National Highways in South East England, also supported the crackdown: “Most drivers behave sensibly, but a small minority think the rules don’t apply to them, putting lives in danger. Using the ‘supercab’ helps us spot bad habits and take enforcement action where needed. Whatever vehicle you’re in, think about your behaviour behind the wheel and help us make sure everyone gets home safe and well.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
