Police forces run week-long operations against mobile phone use at the wheel

Operations include:

• dedicated patrols by officers using unmarked vans, helmet cams, high-seated vehicles and high vantage points to catch offenders,
• combined shifts with police officers and paramedics to educate people on the risks,
• use of variable message signs on prime commuter routes to display 'Leave Your Phone Alone' messages
• pilot schemes with community spotters to target repeat offenders,
• release of powerful social media videos and messages to warn and inform. 

This is the second national week of action against drivers using mobile phones. The first in May of this year resulted in 2,323 offences detected across the week. Similar campaigns have also targeted mobile phones, including Operation Tramline across 25 forces which targeted HGV drivers and resulted in 1713 offences recorded between April 2015 and July 2016.

A recent 2016 annual report on motoring by the RAC suggests the number of motorists who illegally use mobile phones is rising with 31 per cent of motorists admitting to using a handheld phone while driving up from 4 per cent in 2014. 19 per cent say they have sent a message or posted on social media from behind the wheel, indicating that the risks are dangerously underestimated. 

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport said:

"Forces are coming together this week with innovative approaches to catching those driving when distracted and campaign to make drivers think twice about using their mobiles at the wheel.

"Tackling mobile phone use by drivers requires police enforcement using new technology and tactics to maximise the numbers of people we can stop, combined with strong effective penalties and creative national campaigns to make driving distracted as socially unacceptable as drink driving.

"When you're getting in your car, remember don't put others at risk - keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel."

Notes to editors:

• The campaign will begin at 0600 hours on Monday 14 November and conclude 2359 on Sunday 21 November 2016.
• Forces are reporting their results to the NPCC and figures will be available as to how many offences were detected during the week of action on a national level.
• For information on specific forces conducting operations as part of this campaign please contact the NPCC Press Office. 
• More information on TISPOL campaigns supported by the NPCC can be found online here, including Operation Tramline in 2015/16 and Project EDWARD which was conducted together with the NPCC. 
• The 'Fatal Four' dangerous driving habits are drink and drug driving, non-wearing of seatbelts, excessive speed, and driving while distracted including using a mobile phone. These are a key theme of NPCC Roads Policing strategy, with more information here. 
• RAC report on mobile phone use by motorists is available here.
• THINK! information on mobile phone use is available here.