North Yorkshire Police: Drivers warned over mobile phone use

It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving

A new campaign in North Yorkshire will aim to crackdown on drivers using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

North Yorkshire Police said it is supporting the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) mobile phone campaign to highlight the dangers of using such devices while driving.

It has been illegal in the UK to use a handheld phone at the wheel since 2003.

The campaign involves officers carrying out additional patrols in either marked or unmarked cars, the force said.

A specialist unmarked HGV will also be used on the county's roads to spot any motorists breaking the law over the next two weeks.

Insp Clive Turner said driving while distracted was "unacceptable".

"Last year, we issued 697 Traffic Offence Reports for people using a hand-held device when driving on North Yorkshire's roads.

"I personally find it disappointing that this number of people will risk not only their own but other people's safety."

He added that people could also submit their own footage of people committing driving offences on the force's website.

Phones behind the wheel: The law

• Using a hand-held mobile phone or sat-nav while driving is illegal

• Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you drive

• Police still have the power to stop you if they think you have been distracted

• The law still applies if you have stopped in traffic or are queuing at lights

• You could get penalty points, a fine and/or a driving ban if you break the law

Source: UK government - read more here.