TRAFFIC cops have busted 43 drivers in just TWO DAYS using their new secret weapon - an unmarked lorry.
In its brief stint, the lorry clocked 56 offences, including 25 people not wearing seatbelts, 17 drivers using mobiles, and three motorists not in proper control of their vehicles.
The scheme was not welcomed with open arms by road users, however.
Commenting on the video, Martin Read said: "This is a massive waste of time, money and police resources."
Mick Kennish-Ward said: "Utter poo. This is about revenue. If it wasn't about cash a simple ban for using a mobile phone would suffice."
By contrast, motoring groups were more sympathetic to the unmarked lorry scheme.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "Drivers may be very surprised to find out the police are using a lorry to catch them breaking traffic laws.
"The vantage point the lorry provides makes it far easier for them to catch drivers, particularly those in HGVs, using handheld mobile phones illegally.
“Too many drivers are still putting other road users’ lives at risk as a result of the distraction of talking or interacting with their handheld mobiles.
"This needs to become as socially unacceptable as drink-driving and strong enforcement is vital to make people realise they will be caught if the break the law in this way.”
The undercover HGV, owned by Highways England, was put into action as part of Northamptonshire Police's Safer Roads Team.
PC David Lee of the Safer Roads Team said: "Although this is an unmarked vehicle, we want people to know we are out there looking for dangerous and illegal driving.
"We're being upfront about our use of it in the hope people read about it and change their behaviour behind the wheel."
The Mercedes lorry was rolled out on August 20th to catch unsuspecting drivers committing traffic offences.
When it's unmarked, the lorry looks just like any other heavy goods vehicle, but it is fitted with magnetic plates so it can be badged up when needed.
The penalty for using a handheld mobile phone while driving is now a £200 fine and six penalty points.
PC Lee said: "Drivers may be tempted to look at their phone when it pings, or distracted by other things inside their vehicle, but when you're driving your attention should only be on the road.
"Using this lorry gives us an ideal vantage point to see just what drivers are up to behind the wheel, and helps us take action to address dangerous driving on our county's roads and motorways."
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