Police officers deployed on a Bee Network bus in Greater Manchester recently uncovered over 30 instances of distracted driving, highlighting a significant concern for road safety in the region. This initiative, known as Operation Top Deck, is part of a broader effort by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to mitigate dangerous driving behaviours that endanger lives and support the ambitious Vision Zero strategy—a commitment aimed at eliminating all deaths and life-changing injuries on the roads by 2040.

As part of the operation, trained officers use elevated vantage points from a bus provided by Diamond Bus to observe and document hazardous driving practices during peak traffic times. This innovative approach allows law enforcement to capture footage of what are referred to as the "Fatal Four" offences: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distractions such as mobile phone use, exceeding speed limits, and failure to wear seat belts.

During the latest deployment on 13th May, officers identified a range of infractions, including 17 drivers caught using their mobile phones while driving—one individual was even seen handling two phones simultaneously. An additional seven reports were made regarding individuals not wearing seat belts, some involving young children, and seven further incidents involved vehicles crossing solid white lines. These compliance failures, recorded during a mere two-hour window, underline the ongoing risks presented by inattentive driving.

Dame Sarah Storey, the Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, commented on the operation's impact, urging drivers to reconsider their actions. “I’d strongly urge that drivers think twice and ask themselves if making a call or answering a text message is really worth the risk,” she stated. “Drivers who use their mobile phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.” She also encouraged the public to report unsafe driving behaviours through the GMP’s Operation Snap online portal, which facilitates public contributions to road safety enforcement.

Operation Top Deck draws inspiration from the successful Operation Tramline, another initiative where police have utilised heavy goods vehicles to capture footage of irresponsible driving from a higher perspective. Since its inception in 2015, Operation Tramline has led to over 51,500 reported offences across 35 police jurisdictions in the UK.

Moreover, statistical data reveal a worrying trend regarding driver distractions in Greater Manchester. Over the past decade, the region has witnessed 10,000 fatalities or serious injuries on its roads. Between 2014 and 2024, there have been 1,174 incidents attributed to driver distraction, resulting in 117 serious collisions and 17 fatalities. These statistics underscore the crucial need for consistent and effective enforcement to address the rising tide of distracted driving.

Recent trial efforts by Safer Roads Greater Manchester have also recorded over 3,200 instances of drivers distracted by their mobile phones or improperly restrained by seat belts within just five weeks. Such initiatives highlight the ongoing battle against driver distraction, with 30% of fatal collisions in Greater Manchester in 2018 being linked to this very factor.

In addition to traditional enforcement approaches, Greater Manchester is exploring advanced technology for detecting distracted driving. The region is trialling "Heads Up" technology, which uses artificial intelligence to automatically identify instances of mobile phone usage and seat belt non-compliance in real-time. This proactive measure aims not only to enhance enforcement but also to inform future campaigns focused on reducing collisions and improving compliance.

As road safety remains a pressing issue, initiatives like Operation Top Deck and the use of innovative technologies are paramount in fostering a culture of caution and responsibility among drivers. The commitment to public safety must be a shared responsibility, with both enforcement and education playing critical roles in safeguarding lives on the roads.

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Source: Noah Wire Services