More than 200 cars stopped by South Yorkshire Police in bid to clamp down on drivers using phones

The week-long operation, which ran from Monday 14 November to Sunday 20 November, saw officers in both marked and unmarked cars targeting specific locations across the area to stop 245 drivers who were seen using their phones.

Officers also stopped 26 drivers for various offences including failure to wear a seat-belt, arrested six people in relation to stolen vehicles and a fail to stop, and recovered two stolen cars.

A total of 78 people were stopped for using their phones and were issued with a Traffic Offence Report. This will result in either attendance on a specific course, or a fine and points added to their driving licence.

The force's work was in support of the National Police Chief Council’s (NPCC) campaign, Using Mobile Phones Whilst Driving.

Acting Sergeant Ross Masters, who ran the operation, said: “Looking down at your phone, even to press next on your music playlist for example, can seriously impair your driving ability.

“By using your phone at the wheel you’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the life of every other road user.”

He added: “There is an incredibly real chance that if you are caught using your phone, you will be prosecuted. This could result in a fine or even a jail sentence.

“Please don’t take the risk and put yourself and others in danger. If you urgently need to use your phone, then pull over to a safe place to make that call or send a text message.”