National Highways warns HGV drivers it is to patrol M1 in unmarked lorries from March 6

National Highways has issued a warning to HGV drivers that it will be patrolling the M1 in unmarked lorries from March 6. It comes after police officers overtaking a heavily-laden car transporter were shocked to discover the driver was using just one elbow to control the huge vehicle as he travelled along a busy motorway.

The driver was seemingly oblivious to the police officers as they drove alongside him on the M40 in one of National Highways’ unmarked HGV cabs. But he quickly put both hands firmly on the wheel when they caught his attention and notified their colleagues travelling behind to pull the vehicle over.

Footage of a number of shocking incidents captured by police officers in the unmarked cabs has been released by National Highways today ahead of a week of action along the length of the M1. Officers from eight different police forces will be patrolling the motorway between London and Leeds from Monday (March 6) to Sunday, March 12 looking out for incidents of illegal driving.

Incidents such as this driver who was spotted at the wheel of a horse box texting on his mobile phone – and without his seatbelt on. While another car driver was also caught on camera holding up her mobile phone in her right hand as she drove along the motorway.

From the elevated position in the HGV cab, officers can spot unsafe driving behaviour – whatever vehicle the motorist may be in. More than 33,254 offences have been recorded since the ‘Operation Tramline’ HGV cabs national safety initiative was launched by National Highways in 2015.

And some 30,380 vehicles have been stopped by police partners. The most common offences are not wearing a seatbelt (9,962) and using a mobile phone (8,368) followed by 2,257 who were not in proper control of their vehicle.