Crackdown begins on drivers using mobile phones at the wheel in Leicestershire

Police in Leicestershire are backing a three-week national crackdown starting today (Monday) on drivers using mobile phones illegally at the wheel.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) is getting behind the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) campaign to stop motorists flouting the law.

Many drivers are concerned about illegal mobile phone use by other drivers and this has been the top driver concern in the RAC Report on Motoring for four of the last five years.

Most people do not use their mobile phone while driving – but there is still a dangerous minority who do.

Jonathan Clarkson, LLRRSP spokesperson, said: “We aren’t just asking people not to put a phone to their ear.

“We are seeing more drivers looking down to use a handheld phone to use social media apps, select music, check emails or texting while driving when they should be focussing on the road ahead.

“Driving while distracted impairs you to a similar degree to that of a drink driver.

“You are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around you, you may fail to see road signs, fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed.”

He added: “You are more likely to tailgate the vehicle in front, react more slowly and take longer to brake and you are four times more likely to have a collision.”

Using a mobile phone while driving can land you six points on your licence and a £200 fine.

And even if you are using a mobile phone legally, if you are driving whilst not being in proper control of your vehicle you could face three points and £100 fine.

Being stopped by Leicestershire Police isn’t the only way you can get caught for using your mobile phone whilst driving.

Members of the public can submit any dashcam or GoPro footage they have captured as evidence that could be used to prosecute someone using a phone while driving to Leicestershire Police via: https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/Visit https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law for more information.