Starting on January 22, officers will be conducting targeted
patrols using unmarked vans, high vantage points and helmet
cams to catch offenders. The last operation in July 2017
saw over 8,000 drivers stopped and 2,595 offences detected.
Legislation introduced in March 2017 means those caught can
receive six points on their licence and a £200 fine. Early
indications show that the new legislation is having an impact
with around 11 percent fewer drivers stopped in the three
months post-legislation than in the preceding three
months.
In 2016 32 people were killed in road traffic collisions
where the driver of the vehicle was using their mobile phone,
according to reports from the Department for Transport.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief
Constable Anthony Bangham said:
"Nearly a year on from legislation to toughen the sanctions for
using a phone at the wheel, we are seeing some change in driver
behaviour but there are still too many people underestimating
the risk they take.
"If you glance at a phone for even 2.3 seconds while driving at
30mph you miss 100ft of road. That is the equivalent to
the length of Boeing 737.
"Drivers, put safety first and keep your eyes on the road.
If you do use your phone at the wheel, don't be surprised
to be stopped by police and to receive a fine and points on
your licence."
