A major police operation saw hundreds of drivers pulled over for dangerous and illegal driving on vital UK motorways, with offenders subsequently slapped with hefty fines.
The operation launched by Thames Valley Police saw nearly 100 vehicles stopped over four days, with the bulk found to be in breach of at least one major road offence.
The operation, named Operation Tramline, involved the use of an unmarked HGV supplied by National Highways placed along the M25 and M40, which allowed officers to spot offences from an elevated position before intercepting drivers with marked police vehicles.
During the operation, a total of 95 motoring offences were recorded, with 58 drivers caught using mobile phones while driving, and 41 drivers failing to wear seatbelts.
Police also reported more serious violations, including two drivers for careless driving, two for having no insurance, and one driver not in proper control of their vehicle.
Additionally, one motorist was found driving without a licence, another was operating a vehicle in a dangerous condition, and one was stopped for immigration offences.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Operation Tramline is about keeping our roads safe. Every driver should understand that breaking the law can have serious consequences. Using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt may seem minor, but these actions significantly increase the risk of a crash.
“The unmarked HGV allows us to monitor traffic from an elevated position. This perspective helps us spot offences that are otherwise difficult to detect and ensure that dangerous drivers are held accountable.”
Operation Tramline saw hundreds of drivers face justice for breaking the rules while on UK roads
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THAMES VALLEY POLICE
The crackdown has also been widely documented on social media, with Thames Valley Roads Policing unit regularly posting updates about enforcement actions and safety campaigns.
One post by the unit detailed how officers were out in Wycombe targeting uninsured and illegal vehicles, with “the results speaking for themselves”.
The operation saw eight vehicles seized for offences including no insurance, no licence, and no tax, while 16 traffic tickets were issued for using mobile phones, not wearing seatbelts, and careless driving.
The police shared: “Two arrests were made for drug driving, and two further arrests linked to other criminal activity, including drug supply. Four stop searches were carried out.
“We’re committed to keeping our roads safe and holding offenders accountable. If you have concerns about dangerous or illegal driving in your area, please report it to us.”
The operation saw nearly 100 vehicles stopped for road offences
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THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Drivers can be issued hefty fines for breaching the Fatal Four driving offences while on the road. This includes a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison, and 10 penalty points on a driving licence for drink/drug driving.
Meanwhile, drivers caught speeding can be slapped with a minimum penalty of a £100 fine and three points on their driving licence.
Drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt can be hit with a £100 “on-the-spot fine” while drivers using a hand-held mobile phone while behind the wheel can be given six penalty points and a £200 fine.
One Facebook user responded to TVP, writing: “Hard to believe people still don‘t wear a seatbelt when I find it‘s an automatic thing I do before I drive off.”
The police operation targeted the Fatal Four causes of road collisions
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THAMES VALLEY POLICE
The operation forms part of a wider national strategy to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on UK motorways and major A-roads.
Research revealed that drivers using mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in a collision, while those not wearing seatbelts are twice as likely to die in an accident.
The police spokesperson added: “We are not just issuing fines; we are sending a clear message that unsafe behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated. This is about saving lives, not simply enforcing rules.”
Residents have now been encouraged to report dangerous or illegal driving to their local police station or through the Thames Valley Police website.
