During a two-week operation, South Yorkshire Police stopped 100 commercial vehicle drivers, according to the force. Over half were found to not be adhering to the law. Two drivers were over the drink drive limit, while 31 had exceeded their driving hours or manipulated their tachograph. A further 24 were committing other fatal four offences, including speeding, using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt. Twenty-two vehicles were deemed unfit and unsafe and were prohibited from being driven until repairs were made.
Of the 100 drivers stopped, 42 were under 3.5 tonnes and 58 were over 3.5 tonnes. Fifty-three of the stopped vehicles were registered as foreign. Separately, West Yorkshire Police identified more than 2,500 illegal drivers within a 12-month operation as part of Operation Trimburg.
Roads Policing Sergeant Brandon Brown said the operations are about creating safer roads and saving lives, not targeting compliant drivers or generating income. "Drivers who fail to adhere to the laws of the road pose a risk to themselves and other road users and it won't be accepted," he said. "We are here to educate and enforce and we make no apologies for trying to ensure everyone returns home from their journey."