A CRACKDOWN on law-breaking by lorry drivers using Suffolk’s roads has proved successful after nearly 170 offences were identified and dealt with.

The operation took place last week, organised by Suffolk Constabulary’s Casualty Reduction Team, and targeted large goods vehicle drivers who put others’ lives at risk.

Officers patrolled the A14, A11 and A12 dual carriageways using a lorry unit, to give them a better view of drivers in their cabs, and motorbike units to intercept offending truckers.

The aim was to detect a range of offences, particularly those that can distract drivers, such as using a mobile phone, eating, drinking or reading a map while driving.

Sergeant Paul Ward, of the Casualty Reduction Team, said the consequences of a driver of a large goods vehicle losing control could be “catastrophic”.

He said: “This enforcement campaign was the first of its kind in Suffolk and, by being able to patrol within a tractor unit, we were able to look into cabs to gather video evidence of any driver breaking the law. Officers riding on motorcycles accompanied the police lorry and were then able to stop any identified offenders.

“Using a mobile phone while driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt are three of the four main contributors to serious or fatal road traffic collisions.

“This campaign, together with the ongoing Summer Drink Drive campaign, will hopefully go some way to reducing the number of casualties on Suffolk’s roads and send out a strong message to motorists that those who flout the law will be dealt with robustly.” During the five-day campaign a total of 168 offences were identified.

There were 120 seatbelt offences, which resulted in �60 fixed penalty notices for drivers, and 23 mobile phone offences, for which drivers received �60 fixed penalty notices and three points on their licences.

Eleven drivers were identified as “not being in proper control of their vehicle” and three drivers were caught speeding.

One driver had committed a driving licence offence and will appear in court, while 10 vehicles were identified as having defects.