Shocking footage captured by police officers in an unmarked HGV shows the moment a lorry driver uses both hands to roll a cigarette whilst driving along the M40 in Warwickshire.

He then looks over and sees the unmarked HGV videoing him before being followed off the motorway by police to be dealt with.

The cabs, which have recorded more than 28,000 offences since they launched in 2015, will be used as part of a national crackdown on driving offences on the M6 this week.

From Monday, officers from five forces have been taking part in the campaign on Britain's longest motorway, dubbed Operation Vertebrae.

Jeremy Phillips, head of road safety at National Highways, said: "Through this week of action we want to make all of our roads safer by raising awareness and encouraging motorists to consider their driving behaviour – not only on the M6 but on all of our roads.

"The types of behaviour identified are typically those of a minority of motorists.

"And whilst the number of people still using their mobile phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt is disappointing, thanks to the Tramline HGVs we've been able to stop people who could have caused serious harm on the road."

Footage has been released ahead of a national crackdown on driving offences on the M6 this week (Image via SWNS)

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Roads Policing Operations, Commander Kyle Gordon, said: "We have collaborated with National Highways on the Operation Tramline roads safety initiative for many years.

"We all recognise that being distracted while driving increases the risk of a collision and the potential to leave families and communities devastated, particularly with the sheer size and weight of some of the larger vehicles on our roads.

"We really welcome the opportunity to identify any driver who would put themselves and others at risk by being distracted, it is totally unacceptable."

More video captured by officers shows a van driver talking on his phone and looking at his sat nav whilst driving on the A500 in Stoke-on-Trent.

He then transfers the phone to his left hand and picks up a drink with his right - leaving just two fingers on the wheel.

The driver was still on the phone as he exited the road, and didn't realise he was being followed by police who had been alerted by the officers in the cab.

The DVSA, Health and Safety Executive, the Home Office and Immigration Enforcement will also be offering advice and vehicle checks to drivers at motorway services.

The rest of the clip shows a van driver talking on his phone and looking at his sat nav (Image via SWNS)

David Collins, DVSA's Head of Enforcement said: "DVSA's priority is to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

"We always welcome the opportunity to support other agencies with our enforcement teams' wide-ranging expertise.

"By using the latest technology and techniques we can target drivers and vehicles who pose the greatest risk to road safety.

"This week of action alongside our partners will help drivers, operators, and businesses better understand what they can do to keep our roads safe."