FORTY-SIX drivers not wearing a seatbelt, 35 using a mobile phone while driving and 10 deemed ‘not in control of their car’. 

This is just a few of the reasons why some drivers were fined and given points on their licences during a targeted crackdown on motoring offences in Dorset. 

Operation Tramline saw 120 offences on the county’s roads between August 19 and 22 with the help of a free unmarked lorry borrowed to the traffic cops by National Highways. 

As well as this, seven were caught speeding, five had no insurance and three had an insecure load. Of those stopped, five had their vehicles seized, one car was stolen and three people were arrested. 

(Image: Dorset Police)

Traffic cop inspector Joe Wheable said not wearing a seatbelt and being distracted while driving is part of the ‘fatal five’ most common causes of death and serious injury on the road. 

He added: “Op Tramline is one of many education and enforcement tactics we use to make our roads safer for our communities, and we will continue working with our partners to provide education to motorists and to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.” 

National Highways regional safety programme manager Beverley Hannah said: “Through operation tramline we hope to reach that minority of drivers who put themselves or others at risk with inappropriate driving behaviours such as using a mobile phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt. 

“Working with our police partners we want people to think carefully about their driving and to make sure they are travelling safely.   

“Those that continue to drive inappropriately should be aware that they may well be spotted by officers in our unmarked HGVs and have to face the consequences. “ 

Police and crime commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: "Officers dealt with a range of behaviours from a motorist rolling a cigarette with no hands on the wheel, to catching one man texting behind the wheel. This was an expensive text that will cost him a fine and six points on his licence. 

“Every death on Dorset’s roads is a tragedy – and despite huge strides made in this area, there is still more that can be done to keep road users safe.  

“I will continue to support dedicated officers, staff and volunteers who work hard to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. 

“Improving road safety is not only about strict enforcement, but also strong education on the dangers. So let me be clear, a momentary lapse in concentration can have serious consequences, don’t take the risk.”