South Yorkshire is one of eight regions across England where police are running a week of action to crack down on unsafe driving on the M1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operation Freeway takes advantage of each of these eight forces’ access to an unmarked HGV tractor unit, which allows officers to see into higher vehicles and get a better view into lower ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roads Policing Officers from the Operational Support Unit of South Yorkshire Police (SYP) launched the operation on March 3, and is due to run for five-days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roads Policing Acting Sergeant Rod McEnery said: “We are out there 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will continue to do everything we can to prosecute those who pose a risk, educate drivers and create safer roads.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Everyone can take simple steps to reduce risk to other drivers; put your phone away, put your seatbelt on, don\u2019t speed and ensure you\u2019re following the laws surrounding your vehicle\u2019s use.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the last operation of this kind, Roads Policing Officers of SYP witnessed 244 offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a short drive on the morning of 3 March, officers found one driver on their mobile phone, one driver not in proper control of their vehicle and one driver without a seatbelt on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The unmarked HGV’s have been provided by National Highways, the company responsible for operating England’s motorways and major A roads, who are working with police force’s on this operation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: \u201cWe are committed to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured while travelling on our roads by 50% by 2025 and we have a long term ambition for zero harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The point of the week of action aims to encourage road users to practice safer driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Phillips added: “Those who continue to pose a risk should be aware that we are working with our police partners to make sure they are spotted and prevented from causing serious harm to themselves or others.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to National Highways, in 2022 there were 73,593 incidents on the M1, the motorway this operation is targeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Highways have published photos and videos of road users committing offences, including a video of a woman using a mobile phone whilst driving, and a video of a man driving a loaded car transporter with just his elbows, below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n