Police crackdown on drivers using mobile phones
Police say they will be targeting drivers using their mobile phones as part of a national campaign.
West Mercia Police said that since 2018 there have been two deaths, 14 serious injuries and 60 slight injuries the region where use of mobile phone was involved.
The force says it is supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) campaign on the issue, which runs from February 8 to 21.
Superintendent Mel Crowther said: “Driving while distracted by a mobile phone is completely unacceptable and puts everyone on the roads at risk of serious harm.
"We are urging those motorists who currently use a phone behind the wheel, whether hand-held or hands-free to really consider the impact of this on their safety and the safety of other road users, especially at this time of increased demand on emergency services.
"When you get behind the wheel it is your responsibility to stay focused and alert and we will be doing all we can to ensure our roads are kept safe."
Motorists caught using a mobile phone could face a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
Drivers caught twice face a lengthy ban – which could also then lead to a £1,000 fine.
While new drivers – those who have passed within the last two years – face having their licence revoked if caught just once.
However, traditional police officer enforcement isn’t the only deterrent that is out there. With our recent commitment to the Operation Snap initiative members of the public can submit footage that has been captured on dashcam, headcams or other devices to a secure online portal, this means that anyone could be capturing evidence of poor driving and mobile phone use that will be viewed and actioned by a police officer.
