Police Are Using Double-Decker Buses To 'Spy' On Motorists

A lot of people often feel hard done by when police or law enforcers slap them with a fine or ban. The word 'jobsworth' is launched around the place, but in reality, it's just a case of them not following simple rules.

Admittedly it is annoying to receive a parking fine, or a speeding ticket, but they can be easily avoided. Just the other day I stumbled across a fella who was shouting about being clamped. "Fucking bellends mate, just out to get me," he said, while stood directly underneath a 'WARNING: Unauthorised or illegally parked vehicles will be CLAMPED' sign.

Many people won't be happy to learn then, that police have started using double-decker buses to 'spy' on motorists. The main aim is to spot drivers who use their phones while behind the wheel, as well as other offences such as not wearing a seat belt.

Credit: SWNS

This process occurred in Plymouth, Devon, over the weekend, where officers reportedly boarded a bus, and then alerted nearby patrol cars or motorbikes who pulled over the perpetrators.

Over 130 motorists were caught committing some kind of offence during Friday and Saturday, with 39 reportedly using a mobile phone and 36 not wearing seat belts. A further two vehicles were gripped for no insurance.

More than 50 speeders were caught, as well as two drug drivers.

PC Andy Llewellyn of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The double-decker bus is great to catch people looking down on their laps using phones.

"This is a great example of how we can maximise policing resources by working closely with partner organisations in the community."

Credit: SWNS

The penalty for using your phone at the wheel of a car has gone up. Since March 1 offenders will receive six points on their licence, as well as a £200 fine.

Due to the success of the operation, Citybus, the company that provided the double-deckers, has said that it'll be happening again.

Citybus spokesman Mark Horide said: "We support any police initiative that addresses personal safety.

"Our drivers report back on a regular basis to say they see people on their mobile phones while driving. It's something we are fully aware of.

"It's been very successful - we will be doing it again."

You should probably just drive lawfully to be honest.

Topics: Police, Bus

Mark McGowan

Mark is a journalist at LADbible, who joined in 2015 after a year as a freelance writer. In the past he blogged for independent football fan channel Redmen TV, after graduating from Staffordshire University with degrees in journalism and English literature. He has worked on campaigns such as UOKM8? and IIOC.