SHOCKING footage of a woman putting on make-up while driving along the M40 was captured on camera during an undercover police operation.
Unsafe drivers were the target of Warwickshire Police patrolling the county’s motorways in National Highways’ unmarked HGV cabs.
Travelling in busy morning traffic, the woman was so focused on applying her make-up she did not notice the police driving alongside her.
And even when the officers beeped the cab’s horn she carried on applying her make-up with the car swerving as she focused on the mirror.
A woman was also spotted driving on the M40 with a phone in her hand seemingly scrolling through messages, and at one point with both hands off the wheel.
The astonished officers then saw the woman ‘doing something’ with her laptop next to her.
She finally put the phone down when officers made her aware they were filming her.
And a van driver was also captured on film steering with his knees as he tucked into fast food on the M6. With no hands on the wheel, he was seen eating a portion of chips held in his right hand, before picking up his drink with his left hand.
All three incidents were captured over just two days as part of the national Operation Tramline safety campaign.
Insp Si Paull of Warwickshire Police, said: “Our officers are very enthusiastic about taking part in operations using National Highways owned unmarked HGVs because it allows us to intercept drivers like these who do not take driving seriously and could so easily be involved in a serious or fatal collision.
“Our aim is to save lives and unfortunately we are seeing too many drivers showing total disregard for their own safety and that of other road users whilst driving at motorway speeds.
“Warwickshire Police and partners will be running regular operations using the National Highways HGV this year and whilst we always choose to educate drivers first, due to the high stakes involved in some driving offences, officers will be robust in their actions against the motorists involved.”
