A secret police operation has caught out reckless driving including a shocking case of a motorist shaving his beard while behind the wheel on a major motorway.
South Yorkshire Police held a five-day unmarked HGV operation to catch bad drivers along the M1, M18 and A1.
The project saw officers capture 240 drivers on camera either driving recklessly or breaking crucial Highway Code rules on the motorway network.
The unmarked HGV, provided by National Highways meant that the police were able to catch 45 drivers using their mobile phones while travelling.
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South Yorkshire Police caught 180 drivers breaking the law in a week-long operation
GETTYA further 74 motorists were found to not be wearing a seatbelt, 10 were not in proper control of their vehicle and 12 drivers were caught driving without due care and attention.
In one shocking case, a man was caught without his hands on the wheel, trimming his facial hair with a razor.
Another driver was recorded carrying livestock with one bird out of its cage, gripping onto the trailer vehicle.
Meanwhile, 31 drivers were caught stopping on the hard shoulder in a non-emergency situation while two drivers were speeding and three were caught driving through a red X on a smart motorway.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings explained that enforcing the law on the roads is a “daily business for officers”.
The police force carried out a similar operation in May but detailed how within that short space of time, “a further eight people have lost their lives on South Yorkshire’s roads”.
He said: “We are committed to doing all we can to reduce road deaths and casualties, but we can’t be everywhere, road users must take responsibility for their actions and safety.
“If you kill or seriously hurt someone, you will likely be facing a significant prison sentence. Think, is it worth the risk?”
National Highways launched a similar operation last month which caught over 200 drivers who broke crucial safety rules.
Police in unmarked National Highway HGVs patrolled along the M6 and captured 230 offences committed on the motorway.
Notably, drivers using their mobile phones was the most common offence affecting 81 people while 54 motorists were caught without a seatbelt.
Under UK law, drivers can be fined up to £500 if they do not wear a seat belt while behind the wheel.
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Drivers face six penalty points and a £200 penalty for using a mobile in a car
GETTYIf caught on a mobile phone while driving, motorists can face up to six penalty points on their licence and a £200 fine.
Fines include holding and using a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.
