Tackling dangerous driving behaviour

Spotting offences and preventing harm

Hundreds of thousands of drivers use our roads every day. The majority are sensible behind the wheel, but some drivers put themselves and others at risk through dangerous behaviour.

Here are the most common offences across our Strategic Road Network.

We are working with our police partners to make sure that:

• offences are spotted
• drivers are prevented from causing serious harm to themselves or others

Our HGV camera cabs

One way we do this is by using HGV camera cabs in targeted multi-agency operations. These can cover either regions or routes - such as Operation Pennine which targeted the M62 from coast to coast throughout October 2023.

We supply unmarked HGV camera cabs to police forces in order to reduce the number of road incidents.

From the HGV cab's elevated position, officers can spot and record unsafe driving behaviour – whatever vehicle the motorist is driving. They can pass details to other police cars for follow up action.

Consequences for drivers range from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons or arrest.

Here are some examples of footage captured by police using our HGV cabs:

Since the launch of the 'Operation Tramline' in 2015, we've recorded almost 50,000 offences with around 35,000 vehicles stopped by police.

Types of vehicles stopped include:

• 40% hgv
• 30% van 
• 30% car 

What the Highway Code says

Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.

Using mobile phones while driving - the law.

Dangerous driving

You must not:

• drive dangerously
• drive without due care and attention
• drive without reasonable consideration for other road users

(Rule 144)

Avoiding distractions

Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as:

• loud music (this may mask other sounds)
• trying to read maps
• starting or adjusting any music or radio
• arguing with your passengers or other road users
• eating and drinking
• smoking

Driving requires focus and attention at all times. Remember, you may be driving dangerously or travelling too fast even if you don’t mean to (Rule 148).

General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders.