Outside lane motorway rule that drivers must not break as police say 'never ceases to amaze' 

Any driver caught carrying out this "prohibited" move risks being stopped by police

by · Birmingham Live

Police have outlined a strict motorway rule that drivers must not break as part of a major crackdown on poor driving. Warwickshire Police released footage from their latest motorway operation, which took place on key motorways in the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

The footage was captured during the force's latest Operation Tramline that took place on the M40 and M42 and A46 between July 22 and 26 of this year. The operation saw traffic officers working undercover in an HGV.

A total of 129 offences were detected, including a total of 95 drivers using a phone as well as other offences including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or being in control of their vehicle. However footage from one incident on the M42 saw traffic officers catch one driver breaking a key motorway lane rule that is strictly prohibited.

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A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police said: "During the operation, 129 offences were detected including a total of 95 drivers who were using a handheld mobile phone, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt whilst travelling at speeds of up to 70mph on Warwickshire’s motorways.

Car towing a trailer in the third motorway lane (Image: Warwickshire Police)

"These offences and drink and drug driving are prioritised by the police because they have been identified as the biggest dangers whilst driving." They added: "Other offences caught on camera include the driver of a Volvo 4x4 towing a livestock trailer in lane 3, the outside lane on the M42.

"Unfortunately for him, this is prohibited while towing." Officers shared a picture of the offence from their patrol cab, with the warning: "The driver of this Volvo 4x4 was towing a livestock trailer on M42, using lane 3 which is prohibited whilst towing."

Commenting on the operation, Sgt Scott Good said: “The number of drivers who think it is ok to use a mobile phone whilst driving, not wear a seatbelt or speed never ceases to amaze me. These are not ‘good’ drivers as they have chosen to do this when they have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

Warwickshire Police have released footage from their latest Operation Tramline that took place on the M40 and M42 and A46 between July 22 and 26 of this year. Pictured: HGV driver was interacting with his mobile phone and not wearing seatbelt on the M40. (Image: Warwickshire Police)

“We would recommend that you plan ahead and make your phone calls when you pull into the services or a layby for a break. Allow plenty of time for your journey so you are not tempted to speed and there’s really no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt. It’s so easy and quick to do.

“We will continue to conduct regular operations to detect these bad drivers so that we can encourage them to choose to drive legally and safely.“

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