Wiltshire Police will join police forces across England and Wales putting extra emphasis into stopping people using their mobile phones at the wheel in a week long national operation.
The National Police Chief’s Council’s week long campaign starts today, Monday 22 January, will target drivers who take the risk of using a mobile phone behind the wheel. The last national 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 nationally 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 across the country in road traffic collisions where the driver of the vehicle was using their mobile phone, according to reports from the Department for Transport.
Wiltshire Road Safety Unit Sergeant Simon Drewett: “It’s been nearly a year since the new legislation came into effect doubling the penalty for those who take the risk of using their mobile phone whilst driving.
“This new legislation particularly affects new drivers, who could lose their licence if caught and given 6 penalty points in their first two years of driving.
“Our message is clear, if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving you are not concentrating on the road.
“Even glancing at a phone for 2.3 seconds while driving at 30mph you miss 100ft of road. That is the equivalent to the length of Boeing 737.
“We are also encouraging people if they are travelling in a car where the driver is using their mobile phone to challenge them. They are putting not only their own and your safety at risk, but the safety of all other road users and pedestrians too. Speak up and ask them to stop – it could save a life.
“Police will deal with all drivers caught using their phone whilst driving robustly. The penalty for this offence is 6 points on your license and a £200 fine – but taking the risk could cost you much more.”
