Focus on lorry and coach drivers

Many lorries involved in collisions are deemed blameworthy, research shows

Lorry and coach drivers are being targeted by police in a month-long operation in Devon and Cornwall.

Specifically, Operation Fatigue will target drivers' hours offences and the falsification of tachographs.

There are strict regulations to limit the time drivers can spend behind the wheel, and the rest they must take.

Police say as the haulage industry is a very competitive environment with tight margins, there can sometimes be the temptation to breach regulations.

Dangerous goods

The aim of the force-wide initiative is to reduce collisions and casualties.

Devon and Cornwall Police say Department for Transport (DfT) research shows large goods vehicles (LGVs) account for about 3% of traffic flow in Devon, yet 9% of fatal collisions in the research period involved an LGV.

With regard to serious injury collisions, LGVs accounted for 6% on motorways and 11% on trunk roads.

During November, officers will also be checking on the carriage of dangerous goods.

Drivers who carry hazardous materials should be specially trained and their vehicles appropriately equipped.