Drivers have been caught breaking numerous traffic rules on major routes across the UK, putting road users and pedestrians at risk.
It comes after several drivers were caught by West Mercia Police making driving offences along popular routes on the M54, M50, M5 and M42.
In total, 64 drivers were recorded breaking the law last week during a joint operation by the police and National Highways, which used an unmarked HGV tractor unit to catch offenders.
By using the HGV, police officers were able to observe and record unlawful activities by passing motorists who were then issued penalties for breaking the law.
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Police caught more than 60 drivers breaking the law during the week-long operation
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The joint operation forms part of wider plans to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on motorways and major roads in the area.
During the week-long campaign, officers recorded numerous instances of mobile phone use by drivers as well as cases of failing to wear seatbelts.
While in the unmarked HGV, officers were able to film various traffic offences committed by drivers of all vehicles, including larger commercial vehicles, which are harder to catch due to being higher up than a standard police car.
The operation specifically targeted dangerous behaviours, including mobile phone use, failing to wear seatbelts, with offenders being "dealt with as appropriate".
Police have been using HGV cabs for over 10 years to spot rulebreakers on UK roadsNATIONAL HIGHWAYSUnder UK law, drivers can be fined a minimum of £200 as well as slapped with six penalty points on their licence for using a mobile phone behind the wheel. It also breaches Rule 149 of the Highway Code, which prohibits the use of hand-held mobile phones or similar devices while driving.
Drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt face harsher punishments, including an on-the-spot fine of £100, which can increase to £500 if the case proceeds to court.
Inspector Darren Godsall of West Mercia Police said: "It's concerning that there are still motorists using our road network who are willing to risk their own and others' safety.
"During this operation, we have witnessed a number of drivers not wearing seatbelts and using their phones behind the wheel."
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Other violations recorded by the police included drivers exceeding speed limitsas well as drivers not maintaining proper control of their vehicles.
Godsall added: "There is no excuse for people not to know what the law states or the penalties they can receive when they are caught.
"This operation is a great demonstration of joint partnership working with National Highways, where the ultimate aim is to improve road safety for all and to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads."
Meanwhile, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion warned that "too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads". This, in turn, can have a "devastating effect" on families and communities in the area, he said.
Drivers face a £200 fine and six penalty points if they use their phone at the wheelGETTYHe shared: "This is why road safety is a core part of my West Mercia Safer Communities Plan and why, working with partners and West Mercia Police, we will ensure we are joined up in our mission to increase safety on our roads through both education and enforcement."
