Police across Salford are targeting dangerous driving that puts other road users and pedestrians at increased risk this month.
Greater Manchester Police’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) uses Heavy Goods Vehicles and Bee Network buses to identify ‘Fatal 4’ offences, which constitutes drink and drug driving, distraction, including the use of mobile phones, speeding and the use of seatbelts.
The offences are captured on camera, whereupon police on motorbikes intervene. GMP says it has already recorded dozens of offences, some of which have led to arrests and notices of intended prosecution.
Drivers have been observed using their phone whilst the vehicle was running. On another occasion an HGV driver was watching TV in their cockpit.
“Commercial vehicles especially have a disproportionate impact due to the size and weight on other road users and pedestrians, which can ultimately have fatal consequences if not given their full attention and respect,” said Sergeant Neil Dalley from the Commercial Vehicle Unit.
“That is why our focus is aimed at reducing the number of those killed or seriously injured as a result of commercial vehicles but working with the Safer Roads Partnership to continue education and enforcement in equal measure for all road users.
Other specific instances across Greater Manchester included drives or passengers not using seatbelts, inconsiderate driving and driving without valid insurance. One vehicle was seized as a result and one arrest was made for driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs.
Sergeant Dalley added: “We are constantly trying to send a clear and strong message that if you do take the chance of being on your phone whilst driving you are breaking the law. This means you will receive the relevant punishment when caught, which can include potentially losing your licence, having to pay a large fine and in some cases of causing serious injury having to spend time behind bars meaning it isn’t worth the risk.”
GMP’s Operation Snap aims to end road deaths in Greater Manchester by 2040; Salfordians can help by submitting dashcam footage of potential offences to gmp.police.uk.
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