POLICE caught more than 100 drivers using their mobile phones illegally on the roads of Warrington and Cheshire as part of a week-long nationwide operation – with penalties set to double from March.
Officers from the Constabulary’s Roads Policing Team took part in the national operation targeting those motorists intent on breaking the law by driving while using a handheld mobile device.
Police stopped anyone they caught using a handheld mobile device behind the wheel and the drivers were issued with a penalty notice. Officers took the opportunity to educate these motorists of the dangers of using a handheld mobile device while driving and the consequences they will face ahead of new legislation to be introduced in next month (1 March 2017).
From March, any motorists caught driving while using handheld mobile devices will face double the penalty under the new legislation. Anyone caught driving while using a handheld mobile device will receive six penalty points and a £200 fine. Currently, the penalty is three points and a £100 fine.
Assistant Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “Driving while using a handheld mobile device is dangerous, completely reckless and will not be tolerated in Cheshire.
“The safety of Cheshire’s roads is paramount and our Roads Policing Team will do all they can to enforce the new legislation to keep our roads safe.”
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire David Keane said: “Road safety is a priority for residents and communities across Cheshire and I am sure the public will be reassured to see the work the roads policing team have been doing to keep our roads safe.
“Driving while using a handheld mobile device is dangerous and the fact that officers have stopped over 100 drivers during the recent campaign shows that we continue to have an issue with this on our roads.
“From March those who break the law through using a handheld mobile whilst driving will face severe penalties and the Constabulary will have my full support as they work to enforce the new legislation and keep us safe. My message is clear driving distracted should be seen as socially unacceptable as drink or drug driving.”
