Dozens of rule-breaking drivers caught using phones and not wearing seatbelts while driving 70mph - 'No excuse!'

Officers patrolling from the elevated position of a National Highways-owned HGV detected 129 offences during the five-day operation.

Among those caught were a 4x4 driver towing a horsebox whilst using a mobile phone on the M40, and a Ford Fiesta driver scrolling through their phone on the M42 near Junction 3a.

Of the 129 offences detected, 95 drivers were caught using a handheld mobile phone, speeding, or not wearing a seatbelt whilst travelling at speeds of up to 70mph.

One van driver was also observed texting at traffic lights and continuing as he moved off.

Sergeant Scott Good expressed his astonishment at the number of drivers engaging in these dangerous behaviours.

He said: "The number of drivers who think it is ok to use a mobile phone whilst driving, not wear a seatbelt or speed never ceases to amaze me.

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"These are not 'good' drivers as they have chosen to do this when they have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe on the roads."

Sgt Good advised drivers to plan ahead and make phone calls during breaks at services or laybys.

He emphasised the importance of allowing ample time for journeys to avoid speeding temptations and stressed that there's no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt.

"We will continue to conduct regular operations to detect these bad drivers so that we can encourage them to choose to drive legally and safely," Sgt Good added.

National Highways assistant regional safety coordinator Marie Biddulph expressed disappointment at the number of people still driving inappropriately.

She highlighted research showing that phone use while driving quadruples the risk of collision, while not wearing a seatbelt doubles the risk of death in a crash.

Biddulph emphasised the importance of initiatives like Operation Tramline in promoting road safety.

She stated: "We believe that no one should be harmed while using our roads and our goal, through initiatives such as Operation Tramline, is to make people think about their driving behaviour and to have all road users travelling safely."

Despite the concerning number of offences detected, Biddulph noted a positive outcome: "Thanks to Operation Tramline and Warwickshire Police, some 100 people have been stopped and have learnt about the risks they posed to themselves and others."