Hundreds of drivers stopped over mobile phone use during week-long operation

Hundreds of drivers were stopped over mobile phone use at the wheel as part of a road safety campaign.

Officers from Surrey and Sussex Road Policing Unit’s (RPU) Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU) used an unmarked HGV lorry and unmarked police vehicles in order to detect those on the M25 who were not in proper control of their vehicle.

Mobile phone use and being distracted while driving are two major factors in why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads each year.

In Surrey, 662 people were injured in road traffic collisions last year, and 24 of these were fatal.

The CVU used the lorry from National Highways as well as unmarked police vehicles to enforce road safety.

During a week of action as part of Operation Tramline, 173 vehicles were stopped. This included checks on 115 goods vehicles, of which 43 were HGVs.

Because of the size of vehicle, these are the ones which could cause the most harm and risk if there is a road traffic collision.

Our officers found that of the 173 vehicles stopped, 105 were for offences related to mobile phone use.

There were also 49 drivers who were found to not be wearing their seatbelt, which is another major factor in why people are killed or seriously injured.

Sergeant Huw Watts of the Surrey and Sussex Commercial Vehicle Unit, who led the team, said: “It is always disappointing to see that the road safety message is not being received by drivers on the fastest roads in our counties.

“Despite advances in vehicle technology drivers still feel the need to use their mobile phones whilst driving for a number of reasons, from texting and checking emails to watching film clips.”

Sgt Watts said police filed 131 Traffic Offence Reports, issued 11 Fixed Penalty Notices, and five drivers were given court summonses.

“This has been a very productive operation for our officers,” the sergeant said.

Sgt Watts also stated that drivers are reminded that the legislation around mobile phones changes on March 25.

Under the current legislation, this operation saw 57 drivers receive three points on their licence and a £100 fine.

But after March 25 these drivers would have seen their penalties doubled.

Sgt Watts said: “Drivers should be warned that any interaction with a mobile phone while driving could see them being stopped and dealt with for the new offence.”

National Highways regional safety programme manager in the South East of England, Colin Evans, said: “We know the majority of people drive safely and sensibly but unfortunately a minority of motorists flout the law and put themselves and others at risk.

“Working closely with our police partners in Sussex and Surrey through the use of the supercabs we want to encourage all drivers – whatever vehicle they are in - to think twice about their behaviour behind the wheel and to help us make sure everyone gets to their destination safely.”