More than 150 motorists in Manchester were caught flouting the new mobile phone law in the first four weeks following the introduction of tougher penalties for using a mobile phone at the wheel.
On Wednesday 1 March, the legislation for using a mobile phone while driving changed. The penalty was doubled and if caught, offenders will now receive a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
Over the last four weeks, officers in both marked and unmarked cars have been targeting various locations in Greater Manchester to catch offenders.
Inspector Tony Allt from Greater Manchester Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “During the intensive national campaign regarding the increase in penalties for using a mobile phone, officers could see a notable reduction in people willing to take the risk of committing the offence. Going forward, we will work hard to reinforce the message that this is not only a socially unacceptable, but outright dangerous offence to commit. “
Anyone with details of persistent offenders who are driving and using their mobile should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call 101 with details.