The clever new way police are catching Sheffield drivers using their mobile phones

To make it easier for police officers to catch offenders in the act, officers are using a lorry so that officers can see directly into their cabs.

Officers have used an unmarked lorry, fitted with covert blue lights, on the M1, M18 and M180.

As the lorry’s speed is unrestricted it can overtake other HGVs to see directly into the cabs of other lorries to check for motorists breaking the law or driving dangerously.

As part of the operation, the team has stopped 29 lorries and four cars so far.

Drivers were dealt with for a number of offences, including using mobile phones and having unsafe loads.

One driver was arrested for public order offences at the side of the M1 after he became aggressive when he was reported for using his mobile phone.Roads Policing Inspector, Jason Booth, said: “In our recent roads policing survey, responses showed that our communities want us to tackle those who use a mobile phone behind the wheel.“It is extremely dangerous to have any distractions while driving, but to also be in charge of a vehicle consisting of up to 40 tonnes can have devastating implications.“We are committed to tackling those who are a danger on our roads, and with thanks to our partners at Highways England who kindly provide the truck.”