HGV ‘supercabs’ deployed to improve motorway safety

11.46 | 21 August 2019 | | 1 comment

HGV ‘supercabs’ – loaned to police forces by Highways England – are being used to improve safety on motorways, following a successful initiative on the M1.

The elevated position of the HGV cab allows police officers to film unsafe driving behaviour – with offenders then pulled over by colleagues in police cars following a short distance behind. 

The officers are also well placed to look across to other lorry drivers and identify any who may be driving without due care and attention.

The supercabs were used by six police forces during a ‘week of action’ on the M1 (13-19 May), organised by Highways England, recording nearly 200 offences. 

The offences included 57 drivers using a mobile phone, 37 not wearing seatbelts and 26 who were driving carelessly or not in proper control of their vehicle.

The number of collisions recorded during the week-long initiative was 64 – down from 90 in the previous week.

Highways England says similar safety initiatives are now being planned for other motorways across England.

Richard Leonard, head of road safety at Highways England, said: “We’ve been really impressed with the results of our week of action on the M1 which shows how making little changes to the way you drive can make a big difference to safety on our motorways.

“Our HGV supercabs helped the police identify almost 200 dangerous drivers who could have caused collisions if they hadn’t been pulled over, and our safety tips at motorway services and in the media also helped to make the M1 safer for everyone.

“As part of our current motorway driving campaign, we’re encouraging drivers to remember the basics of motorway driving to help keep us all moving so that the number of accidents continue to fall in the weeks and months ahead.”


 

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    “..almost 200 dangerous drivers who could have caused collisions if they hadn’t been pulled over,..” and collisions down from 90 to 64 apparently. It can’t be proved obviously, but more direct, immediate action like this is what’s needed… pity it seems to be only for limited periods at a time.


    Hugh Jones
    Agree (2) | Disagree (0)
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