Police have shared an urgent warning to drivers about using their phones after posting a shocking image of one van driver using a phone in one hand and a vape in the other. 

Officers from Durham Police have been spending the last couple of weeks travelling major routes across the region to monitor how many drivers were on their phones, as well as other driving offences.

More than 70 driving offences were caught on camera in the operation to target dangerous motorists, according to the police force.

The Northern Echo: The driver of the van with one hand on a phone and another on a vapeThe driver of the van with one hand on a phone and another on a vape (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Last week, officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit headed out across the roads of County Durham and Darlington to clamp down on drivers who put people’s lives at risk by either using their mobile phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.

A total of 72 violations were captured on camera by the team during the five-day campaign coined Operation Tramline - 36 for mobile phone offences and 28 for seatbelts.

In addition, the team stopped:

  • Three not in control of their vehicle
  • One disqualified driver
  • One drug driver
  • One no insurance
  • One vehicle condition
  • One no MOT


A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Those caught breaking the law were dealt with at the roadside by officers who issued 31 traffic offence tickets and 23 fixed penalty notices. Three individuals were summonsed to court and one driver was also arrested at the roadside.

"Most drivers stopped by the officers came clean immediately and accepted their behaviour was dangerous. Some chose to contest that.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here.

Roads and Armed Policing Unit Inspector for Durham Police, Kevin Salter, added: “This operation has proven that some drivers still think they can risk it and that’s disappointing to see.

“Speeding, distractions, and risky behaviours are tempting, but I would like to remind drivers that the consequences are real and irreversible.

“None of us want to have to deliver another death message to a family whose loved one has died in a collision which could have been avoided.

“Please, put the phone away and pop that seatbelt on – life is precious.”