Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

Police catch 160 offenders in latest undercover lorry operation

Suffolk Police detected more than 160 offences and stopped 155 vehicles during a five-day operation using an undercover HGV to catch unsafe drivers.

Why it matters: The latest operation revealed significant numbers of drivers risking lives on Suffolk's major roads, with nearly 50 not wearing seatbelts and 36 using mobile phones while driving.

By the numbers:

  • 155 vehicles stopped, including 55 HGVs

  • 169 offences detected

  • 139 Traffic Offence Reports issued

  • One arrest for suspected drug-driving

  • £300 in fixed penalty fines

A HGV "supercab" provided to police by National Highways
National Highways
A HGV "supercab" provided to police by National Highways

The details: The initiative, Operation Tramline, ran from Monday, 27 January to Friday, 31 January, across the A14, A12 and A11. National Highways provided police with an HGV tractor unit, giving officers an elevated position to spot offending drivers.

Key offences included:

  • 49 not wearing seatbelts

  • 36 using mobile phones

  • 26 roadworthiness offences

  • 16 insecure loads

  • 10 not in proper control

What they're saying: PC Terry Harvey, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: "This was yet another productive week of action where the number of offences detected speaks for itself."

"Among the 36 people caught using a mobile phone, one of them thought it would be funny to film us whilst he was driving at 70mph - until he realised who we were," he added.

The other side: Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I'm absolutely staggered by the mindless stupidity of so many drivers risking their own lives, and the lives of others with their unacceptable behaviour behind the wheel."

The bottom line: The operation highlighted ongoing safety concerns on Suffolk's roads, with drivers continuing to commit serious offences despite risks to life.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Happiness Club

Samantha Brook

Happiness Club

Based in Ipswich, Happiness Club is on a mission to help residents and businesses cultivate lasting happiness and wellbeing.
News

SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

Santa will turn down the music and limit numbers at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre this weekend after parents asked for calmer festive events for children with special educational needs (SEN).
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
by
Continue reading →
News

Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
by
Continue reading →

Ellisons Solicitors, Ipswich School and ICS

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
News

Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
by
Continue reading →

Ellisons Solicitors, Ipswich School and ICS

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
News

Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
This article is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,630+ people are already loving it