POLICE have revealed that a third of lorries stopped in an operation on the A1 at Sawtry were being driven illegally – one driver was watching television. Offences also included drivers not taking sufficient breaks and mechanical defects. Sgt Simon Goldsm

POLICE have revealed that a third of lorries stopped in an operation on the A1 at Sawtry were being driven illegally - one driver was watching television.

Offences also included drivers not taking sufficient breaks and mechanical defects.

Sgt Simon Goldsmith said: "Of the 45 vehicles stopped, a total of 15 drivers fell outside regulations.

"Some of the mechanical defects we found were quite frightening and these defective lorries are an accident waiting to happen."

One driver was found to be driving illegally using kerosene instead of diesel, while a German driver was found with a 19in television on the dashboard of his 40-tonne vehicle.

Sgt Goldsmith said: "To be watching television while driving is unbelievably dangerous at any time, but particularly so when in charge of a massive vehicle.

"Lorries do not need to be travelling at particularly high speeds to cause devastating accidents."

In December 2005, young mother Stacey Gitsham and her two children were killed when a lorry ploughed into their car on the A1.

Lorry driver James Wingfield was jailed for three years for what the judge called "a prolonged period of inattention".