Suffolk police using “spy” HGV pull over 56 trucks in one week

Police in Suffolk stopped 56 trucks and 54 vans and detected 155 offences, as part of a week-long operation largely focused on HGVs.

Operation Tramline saw police carry out patrols on the county’s major roads using an HGV provided by National Highways to enable officers to look directly into the cabs. Supporting police officers were on hand to pull-over any offenders.

The patrols took place between Monday 17 July and Friday 21 July and involved officers from the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, and the Road Casualty Reduction Team, with enforcement taking place on the A14, A12 and A11.

A total of 140 vehicles were stopped, including 56 HGVs and 54 smaller goods vehicles and 155 offences were detected. The drivers in question were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), with some having committed more than one offence. A total of 112 TORs were issued.

These included:
• 55 for not wearing a seatbelt
• 36 for using a mobile phone
• 21 for an insecure load
• 20 for roadworthiness offences
• 13 for driving without due care and attention
• seven for excess speed
• one for not being in proper control
• one for no insurance

PC Terry Harvey from the Suffolk Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU) said: “We are pleased with the results of Operation Tramline, we have run this in quite quick succession to the last operation and it is evident from the reduction in offences that motorists on the county’s roads are starting to get the education and enforcement message.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “"It’s very disappointing that drivers – particularly those who rely on their driving licence for their livelihood - still need to be reminded about something so obvious as putting on a seat belt or not using their mobile phones. And to think a driver could get behind the wheel without insurance is just unbelievable."