WARWICKSHIRE Police has received a national award after using a ‘supercab’ to catch offending drivers on local roads.
The Commercial Vehicle Unit scooped the award from Highways England after achieving Top Performing Force in the country for Operation Tramline in 2019.
During the operation officers use a specially-adapted HGV ‘supercab’ to observe driver behaviours and deal with offences on Warwickshire’s roads.
PS Carl Stafford said: “Operation Tramline is about keeping people safe on our roads. We are delighted to be recognised for our work in identifying those people who pose serious danger to themselves and other road users. It would not be possible without the dedication of a small number of passionate officers, our special constabulary and support from our partner agencies.
“The supercab allows officers to see all road users from an elevated position, giving a much clearer view of what drivers are doing, for example if a driver is using a mobile phone or not wearing their seatbelt.
“The supercab allows our officers to film evidence of unsafe driving behaviour by pulling up alongside vehicles often on our motorway network where drivers really need to concentrate on what they’re doing. Anyone we need to speak to is then pulled over by police cars following behind.”
And Highways England assistant regional safety coordinator Marie Biddulph hopes the use of the cab will make drivers think twice before breaking the law.
She said: “Operation Tramline could not operate without our police partners and we are very grateful to forces such as Warwickshire Police for the dedication of their officers in helping us to tackle dangerous driving on our roads.
“The number of offences recorded by the force sadly confirms that there are people who are putting themselves and others at risk by ignoring the law. We hope through our continuing partnership and use of the supercabs we can encourage all motorists to think about their driving.”
The Commercial Vehicle Unit is funded by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe’s Road Safety Fund in a bid to reduce the numbers killed and seriously injured on Warwickshire roads.
Chief Constable Martin Jelley said: “I am proud of the work the unit is doing to improve public safety on Warwickshire’s roads. This award is further recognition of what can be achieved by a small team that has made a big impact in a short space of time.
“Improving the public’s safety on our roads will remain a priority for the force. Warwickshire Police would like to thank Highways England for their ongoing support.”
