Scores of drivers on the M4 have been caught out after an undercover police lorry took to the roads in a major operation.

Operation Tramline, which is a joint initiative between National Highways and the National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence, saw 83 drivers stopped for offences on the M4 in just three days.

The police lorry disguised as a regular HGV patrolled the stretch of the M4 between Junction 14 and Junction 18, in a joint effort between the Roads Policing Unit and the Special Constabulary Road Safety Unit.

The offences included using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt among other things, and all drivers will be punished for breaking the law.

“The HGV gives us an elevated view into vehicles using this busy stretch of road so we can better detect offences such as mobile phone use,” explained PC Luke Hobbs.

“Whilst the majority are law-abiding drivers, it is always shocking to see just what some of these drivers think they can get away with – all whilst in control of a vehicle which can be up to 44 tonnes in weight with the potential to cause significant and serious harm to others.

“Last week alone, we saw drivers watching films on their phones or tablets whilst behind the wheel, overloaded vehicles which can pose a real danger to other road users, and drivers showing a complete disregard for the speed limit.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: PC Luke Hobbs was one of those involved in the undercover operation using an unmarked HGV.PC Luke Hobbs was one of those involved in the undercover operation using an unmarked HGV. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Operation Tramline was launched in an attempt to reduce the ‘fatal five’ – which includes drink/drug driving, careless driving, speeding, driving without a seatbelt and using a mobile phone.

The team patrolled for three days during the week beginning Monday, February 19, and was joined by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Phillip Wilkinson, on Tuesday.

“This operation coincided with a trial of new Artificial Intelligence cameras provided by Acusensus, being rolled out by National Highways to spot drivers failing to wear seatbelts or using mobile phones,” added Inspector Will Ayres, of the Roads Policing Unit.

“It is hoped the presence of these cameras will help enhance the work of our Roads Policing Unit and further reduce the number of individuals taking risks when driving and causing serious collisions. 

“We are committed to trialling new innovative projects to keep the roads safe and make the road users of Wiltshire feel safer.”