Cumbria Constabulary are taking to the road in a HGV in attempt to clamp down on dangerous driving along the A66. The use of the HGV is part of the on-going operation, codenamed Natterjack, which is aiming to improve driving and safety standards on the A66 east of Penrith to the county boundary. The operation is hoping to achieve these aims by encouraging compliance with traffic laws by observation and enforcement. Sergeant Graeme Hodgson, of Cumbria Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit, said: "The use of the HGV will give officers the advantage of a higher vantage point enabling them to see into vehicles and to observe the behaviour of motorists. Drivers do not expect Police Officers to be in an HGV therefore it gives us a more honest and realistic outlook on how motorists are behaving. "We are hoping to clamp down on those that use mobile phones or other devices whilst driving. This behaviour produces an additional risk on a road where the risk factors are already high, leading to an increase in the number of collisions. More precipitating factors, like a lack of concentration, leads to more collisions and it is important that through enforcement we stamp this out. "So far the use of the HGV has been very successful and we have seen a lot of behaviour from motorists that concern us, such as completing paperwork whilst driving and a high proportion of motorists not wearing seatbelts. It is this type of offending behaviour that can lead to tragedy." Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: "I welcome the Police operation along the A66 and I know from speaking to residents that live along the road that any police activity to improving road safety will be welcomed." If you see erratic driving on any of our county's roads please contact Cumbria Police on 101.

• published: 08 Nov 2013
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