Eight police forces – including Derbyshire Constabulary – are launching an operation to tackle unsafe driving on the M1.

Starting today (Monday, March 6) officers will patrol the length of the M1 between London and Leeds in unmarked HGV cabs as part of a week long operation.

From the elevated position in the HGV cab, officers will be able to spot unsafe driving behaviour – such as not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones – whatever vehicle the motorist may be in.

The aim of the operation, led by National Highways, is to reduce the number of incidents on the motorway and to encourage safer driving.

PC Dave Shaw, of Derbyshire’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are pleased to be supporting this operation alongside National Highways and other police forces to help reduce the danger caused by unsafe and distracted driving on the M1.

“By raising awareness of the initiative and taking positive action against those who commit offences we hope to reduce the number of incidents and remind people to think carefully about their driving behaviour.”

Jeremy Phillips, head of road safety at National Highways, added: “Hundreds of thousands of drivers use our roads every day and the vast majority are sensible behind the wheel, but some are putting themselves and others at risk.

“Through this week of action, we want to encourage motorists to think about their driving and to adopt safer behaviours.

“But 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.”

Picture credit – Google Maps