The operation, which has proved so successful in previous years, involved the use of one of the new HGV “supercabs” provided by Highways England and staffed by officers from the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit (RPU).

The initiative is part of a national project which aims to reduce collisions, cut the number of incidents and improve safety, journey time and reliability on motorways and major roads.

In the latest activity, the RPU concentrated its work on the M25, M23 and A3 and stopped 112 vehicles during seven days earlier this month (March, 2018).

The height of the “supercab” allows observation and recording of distracted drivers.

Whilst one officer was behind the wheel of the HGV, another was in the passenger seat watching out for dangerous or distracting driving and recording footage of incidents giving cause for concern.  The ‘observer’ then relayed information to a further police vehicle travelling behind which intercepted and indicated to the driver to pull over.

At any one time, numerous unmarked police cars and police motorbikes were out on the carriageways in readiness to deal appropriately with motorists. This was in addition to the business as usual officers carrying out the dedicated day to day work on our roads.

Police cars and motorcycles are on hand to apprehend suspected drivers.

The increased height of the HGV’s viewing platform meant that driving offences that might previously have been difficult to spot from standard patrol vehicles, were able to be seen.  In addition, a derestricted speed limiter which means they can travel at speeds up to the national speed limit, and flashing lights have been installed for use by police forces in an emergency.

RPU Sergeant Sharon Kingston said: “Working together with Highways England, we were once again able to work in a cost-effective way towards our joint aim to provide a safe and reliable road transport system for all drivers.

“Using the new “supercab” with an increased height allowed us to spot far more drivers committing some of the offences which  can have such a devastating effect on the county’s roads –  the ‘fatal 4’ as they are named, include drink/drug driving, using a handheld mobile phone, speeding and seat belt offences.”

“It was a very successful operation with more than 130 interventions made and reasons for stopping vehicles varied from using a hand-held mobile phone, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and “not in proper control”.

“We hope that the campaign will remind motorists that they should always drive safely and that even though they might not see a marked police car nearby, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t being spotted.”

Colin Evans, safety coordinator in the South East for Highways England, said: “Safety is our top priority and I am pleased that our HGV cab has been so useful in helping the Police in Surrey to identify unsafe behaviour on the motorways and major A roads in the region.

“It provides an ideal viewing platform for police officers to identify dangerous behaviour that can be difficult to spot from standard police patrol vehicles. Highways England is committed to working collaboratively with Surrey Police to improve road safety.”

Operation Tramline will be carried out on the roads in the future as Surrey Police continues to tackle dangerous and anti-social driving habits.