Police taking the high road

For the second time the force has borrowed an unmarked heavy goods vehicle to help them identify motorists - including truck drivers - who are committing road offences and breaking the law.

The two-week operation builds on last year’s week-long initiative, and will see roads policing officers patrolling hundreds of miles of motorway and network roads in the county.

The operation means officers are able to see directly into the cabs of commercial vehicles.

They will also be able to get a different view of regular vehicles to check whether their drivers are keeping their eyes on the road – or whether they are endangering others by using a mobile phone, laptop, or even reading a book.

PC Darrell McPherson, who helped organise the initiative, said: “The height of the lorry gives us a different viewpoint from which to try to detect offences.”

“Once the crew suspects an offence has been committed colleagues in patrol cars are directed to stop and deal with the vehicle’s driver.”

Ch Insp Stuart Walne, head of roads policing in South Yorkshire, added: “This year’s operation builds on the success of last years.”

“We have already apprehended and educated drivers on their behaviour who have been caught not wearing their seatbelt, using their mobile phone, map reading and even watching films on a laptop, all while at the wheel.”

“Any vehicle that is not being driven correctly can be a lethal weapon – especially large vehicles being driven at speed.”

“The vehicle has been loaned to us by Mercedes free of charge so we can help make South Yorkshire’s major roads safer for every motorist.”