Unmarked HGV 'supercabs' driven by police officers are out on the roads across Bristol - catching dangerous drivers in the act.
The three supercabs - funded by Highways England - have stopped 58 vehicles across the Avon and Somerset force area in the 12 months since they hit the road.
The cabs have been used to spot a number of offences from using a mobile phone while driving to not wearing a seatbelt.
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In the force area, eight motorists have been caught using mobile phones, five were caught not in proper control of the vehicle and 31 were caught not wearing a seatbelt.
Thirty two were reported for traffic offences and 21 penalty notices issued.
The evidence captured by officers in the cab resulted in four prosecutions.
Nationally officers in the supercabs have recorded more than 3,500 offences - 167 which were in the south west.
Highways England head of road safety Richard Leonard said: “Hundreds of thousands of drivers use our roads every day and the vast majority are sensible behind the wheel but some are putting themselves and others at risk.
“We introduced the three new HGV supercabs last year to help keep the roads safe and tackle dangerous driving by people who have either got into bad habits or are simply ignoring the law.
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“The cabs have helped to identify over 3,000 unsafe drivers over the past year.
"We hope they will encourage everyone to think about what more they could do to improve how they drive.”
The supercabs patrol motorways and major A roads.
They have been used by 29 police forces over the past year, including Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, and Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Police in a safety initiative known as Operation Tramline.
The cabs allow police officers to film evidence of unsafe driving behaviour by pulling up alongside vehicles and drivers are then pulled over by police cars following a short distance behind.
The supercabs have a de-restricted speed limiter which means they can travel at speeds up to the national speed limit, and flashing lights have been installed for use by police forces in an emergency.
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National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: “Operation Tramline is a successful collaboration between the police and Highways England.
“We remain committed to tackling those who take unnecessary risks with their own safety and the safety of others on our roads by allowing themselves to be distracted while driving.
"The consequences of these actions are often devastating.
“We will continue to work alongside Highways England on Operation Tramline and will prosecute drivers who ignore the risks.”
