As part of an ongoing commitment to making roads safer, Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations Branch and Safer Roads Policing Team have launched targeted enforcement actions throughout early 2025. These initiatives are designed to identify and stop drivers who are placing others at serious risk through irresponsible or illegal behaviours.
April has seen a national spotlight on the Fatal 4 offences:
- Drink and drug driving
- Distraction, including mobile phone use
- Speeding
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
GMP’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) has led proactive patrols and enforcement, including the innovative use of a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) and Bee Network buses—repurposed to offer officers an elevated view of driver behaviour across major routes like the Mancunian Way, Trafford, and Salford.
From this vantage point, officers have been able to spot numerous infractions, most commonly mobile phone use. Drivers caught are often intercepted by the Motorcycle Unit, pulled over safely, and dealt with through education or enforcement.
The effort is part of GMP’s partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester under the Vision Zero strategy, aiming to eliminate serious injuries and deaths on Greater Manchester roads.
Key Results from Two Recent Operations:
- Traffic Offence Reports: 19
- Fixed Penalty Notices: 5
- Notice of Intended Prosecutions: 13
- Prohibition Notice: 1
- Arrests: 1
Offences Detected Included:
- Use of Mobile Phone While Driving: 15
- Inconsiderate Driving: 8
- Careless Driving: 2
- Driving Without Due Care & Attention: 1
- Driving Without Valid Insurance: 1
- Use of No Seatbelt: 1
- Incorrect Registration Mark: 1
- Not Having Proper Control of Vehicle: 2
- Vehicle Seized: 1
- Driver Arrested Under Influence of Drink or Drugs: 1
In a particularly alarming incident, one HGV driver was caught watching television in their cab, while other drivers were seen interacting with phones despite engines running.
Through this sustained campaign, GMP continues to show its resolve to disrupt dangerous behaviour, educate motorists, and prevent life-changing collisions before they happen.
