Police officers overtaking a heavily-laden car transporter were shocked to discover the driver was using just one elbow to control the huge vehicle as he travelled along a busy motorway.

The driver, who was travelling along the M40 at Gaydon near Banbury, was seemingly oblivious to the police officers as they drove alongside him on the M40 in one of National Highways’ unmarked HGV cabs.

But he quickly put both hands firmly on the wheel when they caught his attention – and notified their colleagues travelling behind to pull the vehicle over.

READ MORE: Shocking picture after collision between cyclist and bus

From the elevated position in the HGV cab, officers can spot unsafe driving behaviour – whatever vehicle the motorist may be in.

 

 

Footage of a number of shocking incidents captured by police officers in the unmarked cabs has been released by National Highways ahead of a week of action.

Officers from eight different police forces, including Thames Valley, will be patrolling the M1 motorway between London and Leeds from Monday (March 6) to Sunday 12 March looking out for incidents of illegal driving. 

National Highways head of road safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We are committed to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured while travelling on our roads by 50 per cent by 2025 and we have a long term ambition for zero harm. 

"To achieve that we need to tackle the unsafe driving behaviour that we sadly still encounter.

“Hundreds of thousands of drivers use our roads every day and the vast majority are sensible behind the wheel but some are putting themselves and others at risk. 

"Through this week of action we want to encourage motorists to think about their driving and to adopt safer behaviours.

“But those who continue to pose a risk should be aware that we are working with our police partners to make sure they are spotted and prevented from causing serious harm to themselves or others.”

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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