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Action targeting drivers who
use their mobile phones
MERSEYSIDE Police are taking part in a
National Week of Action targeting drivers who use their mobile phones whilst
driving. The campaign, the 2nd 1 of its kind in 2016, will continue until
Sunday, and has seen Officers on motorcycles and unmarked cars and vans
throughout Merseyside, as the Force looks to highlight the risks and serious
penalties of being distracted by mobile phones.
Department for Transport figures show that a
driver impaired or distracted by their phone was a contributory factor in 492
accidents in Britain in 2014, including 21 that were fatal and 84 classed as
serious.
Sergeant Dave Yorke from Merseyside Police
Roads Policing Department said:- "This campaign demonstrates the resolve
of Police Forces in tackling this issue and to highlight to all drivers that the
possibility of being prosecuted whilst using a mobile phone will be greatly
increased. In 2015 over 2700 drivers on Merseyside were stopped using their
mobile phones while driving, an offence which can and does contribute to serious
road traffic collisions. This week of action is to highlight the issue to people
who may be guilty of using their devices, but we are continually on the lookout
for these offences all year. Don't take the risk: using a mobile phone
significantly reduces your driving ability and a lack of concentration because
you are using your mobile phone; whether to make a call, send a text message or
check social media; can have severe consequences for yourself and others."
This operation has already seen a number of vehicles stopped and penalties
issued figures will be available soon. The 1st NPCC national mobile phone
campaign of 2016, held in May, saw when a total of 2,418 vehicles stopped and
2,323 mobile phone offences detected.
The Department for Transport recently sought
feedback on proposed changes to the offence of using a hand held mobile phone
whilst driving. Drivers caught using handheld mobile phones are likely to face
much tougher penalties. New rules expected to come in in 2017 will see fines and
points doubling.
A 2016 annual report on motoring by the RAC
suggests the number of motorists who illegally use mobile phones, while at the
wheel is rising. 1,714 motorists were surveyed and 31% of motorists said they
used a handheld phone behind the wheel compared with 8% in 2014.
The number of drivers who said they sent a
message or posted on social media rose from 7% to 19%, while 14% said they had
taken a photograph or video while driving.
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