Lincolnshire Police sting uncovers shocking driving

A three-day police operation has uncovered some shocking driving in Lincolnshire, including one man who used his knees to steer his car while typing on his phone with both hands.

Operation Tramline saw officers along with the DVSA in an unmarked lorry peering into other vehicles on the A1 near Grantham.

During the three days, they stopped 19 lorries, a bus and 11 cars which had all committed at least one motoring offence.

In total 49 offences were committed resulting in nine verbal warnings and 33 traffic offence reports which could result in court action.

Ewan Gell, an inspector for the Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Our operation uncovered some very dangerous offences. We witnessed one man steering a car with his knees as he used two hands to type on a mobile phone.

“In another incident, a woman was on her phone, holding it to ear, for several miles travelling at speed even though she had her hands free in the car.

They used an unmarked HGV to uncover some shocking driving.

“We then witnessed a lorry driver take his seat belt off, remove his t-shirt and reach into his bag, get a clean shirt, no doubt to put on before he realised we’d seen him.

“There was also a tired driver that was weaving all over the carriageway and went off the carriageway onto the verge a couple of times before we managed to get him stopped.

“We are always disappointed when people take risks with their lives and other people’s lives, and it is particularly shocking when those drivers are in charge of a large goods vehicle which has the potential to do such huge damage.

“Some of these people also risk their jobs by carrying out these offences.

“Whilst it is pleasing to see that we were able to take positive action against these drivers who flouted the law, it is disappointing that they took the risk in committing the offence in the first place.

“We work around the clock to keep our roads as safe as we possibly can and we will continue with these operations in order to do so.”

Offences spotted were:

• Mobile phone – 6
• Seatbelt – 23
• Speed – 3
• Not in control – 10
• Construction and use offences – 3
• Due care – 2
• Excess weight – 1
• Drivers’ hours – 1

Operation Tramline is a national operation, supported by NPCC, working in partnership with Highways England.