A four-day road safety operation using an unmarked heavy goods vehicle (HGV) dealt with almost 150 road traffic offences to keep the county safe.
Officers from the Roads Policing Team joined up with the Special Constabulary to carry out targeted patrols in the HGV, allowing an elevated position to spot anyone committing a road traffic offence.
Video evidence is captured by officers within the HGV and information is shared with other officers on the ground to intercept offending motorists.
During the operation, which was carried out between Monday 5 October and Thursday 8 October 2026, 149 offences were dealt with. This included 89 drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt, 30 motorists on their mobile phone, five drivers with no insurance and four driving without a valid MOT, among other offences.
On two occasions officers stopped motorists who were not wearing a seatbelt and identified further alleged offending. They were both arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.
Police Sergeant Luke Sands, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We are grateful to National Highways for the use of their HGV for this operation, which gives us an extra capability to spot offending on our roads.
“Many of the offences identified during this operation mean that a motorist is distracted from the road. Even if just for a brief period of time, this could lead to serious or fatal consequences.
“We remain absolutely committed to identifying anyone who is flouting the law on our roads in Dorset and putting other road users at risk.
“Everyone can help play their part in road safety, we want everyone to think about how they are driving and what steps they can take to become a better and safer driver.”
National Highways Road Safety Programme Manager, Sarah Lewis, said: “Whilst we know that the majority of people on our roads are driving safely and legally, there is a minority that continue to put themselves and others at risk. We are committed to doing all we can to make sure no one is injured on our roads.
“We will continue therefore to work with our police partners on Operation Tramline in an effort to remind motorists to think carefully about their driving, to deter unsafe behaviours behind the wheel and make our roads as safe as they possibly can be.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “The latest Operation Tramline deployment highlights a worrying reality: despite the dangers, some drivers continue to make reckless decisions that put themselves and everyone else on our roads at risk.
“Using a mobile phone behind the wheel, failing to wear a seatbelt and driving without insurance are not minor mistakes, they can have devastating consequences. I commend Dorset Police Road Safety Team and Special Constables for working together on this operation and holding offenders to account.
“Improving road safety requires both enforcement and education, but ultimately, every driver has a responsibility to make the right choices. One moment of distraction can change lives forever. Make the right decision – every journey, every time.”
Source: Dorset Police news release.