An operation to crack down on mobile phone use and other driving offences has taken place on the M25 by police as part of a national operation called Op Orbital run by National Highways.
Between 7 November 2022 and 11 November 2022, officers from the Roads Policing and Commercial Vehicle Unit patrolled the M25.
A lorry was used in order to spot drivers using their mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving carelessly or inconsiderately.
In total 258 separate offences were identified and 165 vehicles stopped. The majority of the offences were dealt with by ticket.
84 drivers we caught driving whilst distracted. Four of these were watching moving images whilst driving. Many were interacting with phones instead of looking at the road ahead. The fine for using your phone while driving is £200 and 6 points on your license.
Other offences included:
5 vehicles were dealt with for no Insurance
12 drivers were dealt with for careless or inconsiderate driving
7 drivers were dealt with for ignoring Red X signs
15 vehicles were dealt with for insecure loads
20 drivers were dealt with for driving on the hatchings or verge
14 drivers had no seatbelt
13 trucks had poorly adjusted mirrors
Police Sergeant Paul Diamond, in charge of the Thames Valley element of the operation and part of the Joint Operations Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: “Distracted and inconsiderate driving has been shown as responsible for a significant number of incidents on the motorway network causing congestion, injuries and death. Thames Valley Roads Policing Department are committed to reducing casualties from these unnecessary incidents and in prosecuting drivers pro-actively before their actions injure others on the road.
“I would like to thank our partners National Highways and our partner Forces, additionally I would like to thank HTC Reading, who provided technical and mechanical support for the operation, as well Event Technology Group Brands, who provided the lorry to be used in the operation. Both companies provided support at no cost to the taxpayer and helped us to target drivers putting others at risk.
“We continue to deliver our message that we can’t be everywhere but we could be anywhere.
“We will be using other forms of covert vehicle in the near future. Drivers using the M25 can be reassured that we will do all we can to prosecute those that put them at risk as they travel.”
