400 drivers caught using mobile phones in two weeks

The motorists were spotted during a crackdown held in Mid Wales. It was aimed at urging road users to keep their eyes on the road and not be distracted by answering their mobile phone, reading a text or going online.

The project was led by Dyfed-Powys Police and saw officers from all four Welsh police forces and GoSafe carry out patrols to target motorists who endangered other road users. Those stopped were educated on the penalties they faced if caught.

During the campaign Dyfed-Powys Police caught and dealt with 388 offenders. Throughout Wales a total of 571 mobile phone driving offences were dealt with, and 177 warnings issued.

But the figures were down on last year's campaign, when 914 mobile phone driving offences were logged up throughout Wales, and Dyfed-Powys Police issued 447 fixed penalty notices.

Across the West Mercia force area, which covers Shropshire, some 2,311 people were fined for using a mobile phone or other hand held device while driving or riding between September 2014 and last month.

Carl Langley, Deputy Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police and NPCC All Wales lead on Roads Policing, said: "Although fewer motorists were caught in this year's campaign, it remains a serious concern that so many drivers choose to risk becoming involved in a serious or fatal collision due to using a mobile phone whilst driving.

"Our warning is clear, even the most experienced or competent of drivers can be easily distracted and a slight lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences.

"Taking such a risk is totally unacceptable, and this is why officers from all four Welsh forces will continue to carry out proactive patrols to target motorists who endanger themselves and other road users. No call, text, app, or email is that important – they must all wait until you've stopped driving."

Susan Storch, chair of Road Safety Wales, said: "Driving while using a mobile phone is not only illegal but dangerous. It doesn't just put your own life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and other road users who may not have a say in your actions behind the wheel.

"While it's saddening to see that so many motorists got caught using a mobile phone whilst driving it has also demonstrated the resolve of all the Road Safety Wales partners in tackling this issue and we will continue to work together to drive home the message that no call or text is that important."

The campaign in Wales ran between September 24 and October 7.

Studies show that drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards.

Offenders can get a fixed penalty notice, resulting in a £100 fine and three points on their driving licence. If a case goes to court, drivers could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.