Derbyshire police begin crackdown on drivers using mobile phones

Date: 21/11/2011

A safety initiative is being carried out by Derbyshire police in a bid to reduce the number of people who use their mobile phone while driving.

Extra patrols will be on the streets today (November 21st) and over the coming weekend to catch people engaging in the illegal activity, the Derbyshire Times reports.

The initiative coincides with national Road Safety Week, which is organised by Brake.

If the police catch motorists on their phone they will be given an automatic fixed penalty notice, which is a £60 fine and three points on their driving licence.

Inspector Adam Waterfall said drivers who use their phone while behind the wheel "are four times more likely to be involved in a crash."

He also noting sending a text can be just as dangerous because "you focus your eyes and mind on your mobile."

Last week, Kia Motors UK started its preparations for Road Safety Week by relaunching its Walking Bus Scheme, which encourages children to walk to school instead of getting a lift from their parents.

Posted by Sarah Bailey