Police stop hundreds of vehicles in crackdown on drivers using mobile phones

The national crackdown was launched to coincide with the introduction of stiffer penalties for culprits, including a £200 fine.

South Yorkshire Police said that between March 1 and March 7, officers stopped 293 vehicles, of which 52 drivers were suspected of using their phones.

A total of 88 drivers were issued with either Fixed Penalty Notices or Traffic Offence Reports, plus four are to appear at court to be charged.

Around 50 received verbal warnings and advice from officers.

Three vehicles stopped on the first day of the campaign led to a number of arrests.

One driver was found to be over the drink drive limit, one was wanted over the theft of a vehicle and another was wanted in connection with a robbery in the Manchester area.

Sergeant Lee Beck said: “This week of targeted activity was a real success and we saw a significant number of vehicles stopped where drivers were using their mobile phones.

"National campaigns like this exist to save lives - a split second’s distraction while driving can have fatal consequences. It is not worth the risk, so I’d stress to drivers please do not use your phones while driving.

“While the campaign has concluded, this does not mean our work to tackle this issue concludes as well. Our officers will continue to patrol the region and will take action to stop any driver suspected of or seen using their mobile phone while driving. Drivers can continue to expect higher penalties for using handheld devices.”