Police HGV cab operation catches dozens of driving misdemeanours

Roads policing officers at South Wales Police stopped 63 vehicles as part of a week-long operation to tackle illegal driving in the region.

They joined forces with National Highways and the Drivers Vehicle Standards Agency for the operation which ran between 16-19 March.

Known as Operation Tramline – which has been running in different police force areas across the UK for more than ten years – the initiative sees an HGV provided by National Highways used by officers to keep an eye on drivers. The elevated seated position in the cabin is ideal for officers to see into vehicles and spot unsafe driving behaviour.

A total of 63 vehicles were stopped; the majority were for drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, but a wide range of other offences such as driving without insurance, without an MOT or road tax, and other vehicle defects, were also detected.

Inspector Michael Prickett said: “Whilst most people drive responsibly, others continue to put themselves, their passengers, and other road users at serious risk. A vehicle is a lethal weapon in irresponsible hands and anyone who is not in full control while driving is putting lives at risk. There are far too many serious injuries and deaths on our roads and negligence on the part of drivers is an all too frequent factor.”

In 2025, more than 150 people were seriously injured and 20 killed as a result of a road traffic collision on the roads of south Wales.

Inspector Prickett added: “The operation targeted those drivers and operators who neglect road safety legislation and environmental standards. It enables us to send a strong message that we are on the look-out and it won’t be tolerated.”