Almost 170 Lorry Drivers Caught Breaking the Law in Suffolk

Nearly 170 lorry drivers were caught breaking the law in a police crackdown last week.

Officers were out in force on the part of the A12 and A14 during five days to find those using mobiles, not wearing seatbelts and using maps whilst driving.

During the five-day campaign a total of 168 offences were identified and drivers were dealt with for the following:

– 120 seatbelt offences resulting in the driver receiving a fixed penalty notice
– 23 mobile phone offences where drivers received a £60 fixed penalty notice and three points on their licence;
– 11 drivers were identified as not being in proper control of their vehicle and received a £60 fixed penalty notice and three points on their licence;
– 3 drivers were caught speeding resulting in 3 points and a £60 fixed penalty notice;
– I driver was found to be committing a driving licence offence and will later be reported for court; and 
– 10 vehicles were identified as having defects.

Police were accompanied by VOSA for three days during which time they examined a number of vehicles for their roadworthiness and checks were made in respect of driver records. 

Sergeant Paul Ward from Suffolk Police’s Casualty Reduction Team said: “The consequences of a driver of a large goods vehicle losing control could be catastrophic. This enforcement campaign was the first of its kind in Suffolk and by being able to patrol within a tractor unit, we were able to look into cabs to gather video evidence of any driver breaking the law. 

Officers riding on motorcycles accompanied the police lorry and were then able to stop any identified offenders.

“Using a mobile phone whilst driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt are three of the four main contributors to serious or fatal road traffic collisions. This campaign together with the ongoing Summer Drink Drive campaign will hopefully go someway to reducing the number of casualties on Suffolk’s roads and send out a strong message to motorists that those who flout the law will be dealt with robustly.”


source, Town102FM