Cumbria Constabulary has reported a significant increase in the detection and handling of driving offences through its new lorry tactic.

Over the past two months, the police force has utilized a lorry to patrol the roads of Cumbria, enabling officers to effectively spot driving infractions from an elevated vantage point.

This strategy involves positioning the lorry alongside other vehicles to capture video evidence of the offences being committed.

Accompanying patrols are then deployed to stop motorists who have been caught in the act by the officers utilising the lorry.

The initiative has yielded impressive results, with Cumbria police recording a total of 285 offences during the operation.

The offences include speeding, mobile phone usage while driving, driving without tax or insurance, and driving under the influence of drugs, among others.

During the month of June, the operation received support from partners such as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

This collaborative effort followed a five-day operation conducted in April, which resulted in 31 recorded offences.

Sergeant Jack Stabler of Cumbria Constabulary said: “The majority of offences recorded were people consciously taking the decision to not be in proper control of their vehicle – often through using their mobile phone whilst driving.

“There is no excuse for allowing yourself to become distracted whilst driving.

“Such actions put all road users at risk and could have fatal consequences.

“The operation held earlier this month was supported by a number of partner agencies, including the DVSA.

“This supported our efforts in identifying more offences which we hope will lead to changes in behaviour, which in turn will keep people safe on Cumbria’s road network."

The constabulary said it will continue to run further Op Tramline operations in the future.

Peter McCall, Cumbria's police, fire, and crime commissioner, stressed the importance of the operation's results, indicating that speeding and mobile phone use remain significant dangers in the county.

He added: “I urge everyone to be vigilant and to stay legal, stay safe and do not get distracted whilst driving.”