Drivers Caught Watching YouTube During HGV Enforcement Operation on A11 and A47

Two drivers were caught watching YouTube videos on their phones while driving, during a targeted road safety campaign aimed at tackling dangerous driving habits among HGV and LGV operators.

The enforcement, known as Operation Tramline, ran from 1st to 8th March and was conducted by Norfolk Police with support from National Highways. Officers used an unmarked HGV tractor unit to monitor activity on key routes including the A11 and A47.

The elevated cab of the HGV gave officers a clear view into vehicle interiors—particularly those of lorry drivers—allowing them to spot drivers using mobile phones, failing to wear seatbelts, or engaging in other dangerous distractions. Once offences were observed, patrol units were deployed to stop the vehicles.

137 Road Offences Detected During Five-Day Operation

During the five-day operation, 132 vehicles were pulled over, including:

• 24 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)
• 37 Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs)
• 68 private cars
• 3 other vehicle types

In total, 137 offences were identified, with some drivers committing multiple violations. These included:

• 10 drivers using mobile phones
• 22 seatbelt violations (17 of them HGV drivers)
• 1 case of not being in proper control of a vehicle
• 10 speeding offences
• 19 uninsured vehicles
• 39 construction and use violations
• 1 breach of driver’s hours regulations
• 17 incidents of careless driving
• 9 insecure load offences
• 1 drink or drug driving offence
• 8 other traffic offences

As a result:

• 96 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued
• Three arrests were made
• 20 drivers received verbal warnings

Distracted Driving Under Fire

Among the more shocking discoveries were a driver applying makeup while steering and an HGV driver filming police officers during the enforcement.

Sergeant Ade Hales, from the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, emphasized the risks:

"Watching videos, making calls, or filming while driving—especially on a dual carriageway—is completely unacceptable. Drivers need to give full attention to the road."

He warned that any interaction with a mobile phone could result in a £200 fine and six penalty points, and noted a disturbing rise in the use of video calls and streaming apps such as YouTube, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Snapchat while driving.

"Not only are you endangering yourself," Hales added, "but also every other person on the road. Wait until you’re parked before using your phone—your life could depend on it."

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