500 truckers caught breaking the law in Yorkshire by 'spy lorry'

More than 500 truckers were caught on film breaking the law on Yorkshire's roads in the first two years that a special 'spy lorry' was deployed to crack down on offenders.

The unmarked HGV, funded by Highways England, was introduced to give police a direct view into the cabs of dangerous drivers who might otherwise avoid being detected.

Among the offences recorded in Yorkshire were 233 incidences of drivers using their phones and 255 where they failed to wear a seatbelt.

In one case, a driver was seen with his foot on the dashboard while using a phone.

Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: "Together with targeted local action by police officers, this has become an important element of our intelligence-led operations against dangerous driving.

“Driving whilst distracted is completely unacceptable and police are also making use of the tougher new penalties to stop this dangerous behaviour by ensuring that offenders face the full weight of law."

Richard Leonard, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, added: “The footage of the driver with his foot up on the dashboard is particularly alarming, and I dread to think what would have happened if he had needed to brake suddenly.

"We will continue to use the cab to tackle deaths and serious injuries and to encourage people to improve how they drive.”

In total, 28 police forces have taken part in the initiative, pulling over 4,176 drivers in relation to 5,039 offences.