Unmarked lorry used by West Yorkshire police to catch dangerous and irresponsible drivers

West Yorkshire Police officers were out on the county’s roads in an unmarked HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) filming the driving habits of other road users.

In total 109 vehicles were stopped for committing a number of road traffic offences.

The five day operation in West Yorkshire was part of a national joint initiative between police forces and Highways England.

Patrols were carried out on the M62, M1 and A1.

A total of 32 people were found to be using their mobile phone behind the wheel or not being in proper control of the vehicle. All were reported for a traffic offence.

Thirty people were stopped for offences linked to the other fatal four factors which included no seatbelt and one driver was arrested for drug driving.

Two vehicles were deemed unroadworthy and 17 vehicles committed offences such as having no valid MOT or had vehicle defects.

Sergeant Steve Suggitt from the Roads Policing Unit said: "Our aim is to make the Motorway network safe for all road users. Driver inattention remains a key contributor to the cause of serious collisions occurring on our roads.

"The focus of our operation was to observe and deal with those drivers seen to be distracted whilst driving.

"During our week long operation, we are still shocked by the number of drivers who are prepared to take risks when driving a vehicle, including operating/using a mobile device. Please leave your devices out of reach and check your social media, text messages etc, once your journey has come to an end, when it is safe to do so.'