Wiltshire Police have introduced Operation Tramline, a new initiative targeting dangerous driving on the M4 motorway between junctions 14 and 18. The force is using an unmarked heavy goods vehicle (HGV) to covertly identify and apprehend offenders from a high vantage point.
The unmarked lorry allows officers to catch drivers committing offences such as using mobile phones while driving, failing to wear seat belts, and operating poorly maintained vehicles. Positioned in the cab of the HGV, police have a clear view of both cars and lorries, making it easier to spot lawbreakers.
When an offence is observed, officers inside the unmarked lorry radio ahead to marked police cars following behind. These marked vehicles then stop the offenders to issue fines or initiate prosecutions.
Operation Tramline focuses on tackling the “fatal five” dangerous behaviours responsible for most road deaths: using a mobile phone while driving, drink or drug driving, speeding, failing to wear a seat belt, and careless driving. These offences significantly increase the risk of collisions and fatalities.
Sgt Bott from Wiltshire’s Roads Policing Team said, “The large policing presence on the M4 was a strong deterrent to any would-be offenders. While some offences may seem minor, they’re dangerous when controlling huge vehicles. A moment’s lapse could be fatal.”
He added, “Operation Tramline sends a clear message—drivers aren’t invisible from the cab of an HGV, and you will face prosecution if caught breaking the law.”
Wiltshire Police hope this innovative approach will reduce accidents and save lives by holding reckless drivers accountable on one of the UK’s busiest motorways.
Originally published by UKNIP.
