WEST Yorkshire Police officers are taking to the area's motorways in a lorry for a road safety operation.

Between today and Friday, officers will be using a HGV as part of their patrols across the entire West Yorkshire motorway network.

The force said the lorry - which is heading out as part of Operation Tramline - provides an "ideal vantage point for officers to keep an eye on driver behaviour".

Sergeant Ryan Burt, of West Yorkshire Police's roads policing unit, said: "By having an officer observing and filming from inside a HGV cab, we can see what lorry drivers are doing, as well as other drivers.  

"We are involved in regular Operation Tramline activity throughout the year and repeatedly see drivers using their mobile phones or doing something in other ways which means they’re not in proper control of their vehicle.  

"A driver not having their full attention on the road can have devastating repercussions, and when a heavy goods vehicle is involved this can be even more catastrophic."

He added: "We need everyone to think about their own behaviour, make sure they drive within the stated speed limits for the road and weather conditions, and make sure their vehicle is in good working order."