Police monitoring drivers from an unmarked lorry caught dozens of motorists "taking risks with their lives" - including not wearing seat belts and using mobile phones.
The HGV was loaned to Cleveland Police by National Highways. It meant officers could observe drivers from an elevated position as they travelled along the road network.
A total of 41 offences were discovered by officers during the week-long crackdown from March 10 to 16. It was part of Operation Tramline, a partnership between police and National Highways.
Offences were detected within not only heavy goods vehicles, but also light goods vehicles and private vehicles. Police said the majority related to the "fatal four" contributing factors in fatal and serious collisions on the roads, including drivers not wearing seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving.
Other offences related to insecure loads and no insurance. A 72-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police was later bailed pending further enquiries. A total of 22 fixed penalties were issued and 14 Traffic Offence Reports made.
Matrix Team Sergeant Mark Kewley said: “We have carried out Operation Tramline with a view to detecting offences on our roads which led to over 40 offences being found. Whilst we saw many road users keeping safe, worryingly, the majority of the offences captured related to the ‘fatal four’ – not wearing seatbelts and driving whilst using a mobile phone – which are two of the main four contributing factors in fatal and serious collisions.
“The results of this operation have yet again shown us that drivers are still willing to take risks with their lives, and others lives, and therefore we will continue with this enforcement activity."
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