South Yorkshire Police issue warning to drivers using mobile phones

From today there are harsher penalties for those breaking the law.

Those caught using a mobile phone while driving will be issued with six penalty points and a £200 fine.

New drivers who have passed their tests over the last two years will be become provisional licence holders again.

Officers in both marked and unmarked cars will be patrolling the roads and stopping anyone they believe to be using a handheld phone behind the wheel.

Temporary Chief Inspector Craig Clifton said: “One second is all it takes to lose focus and in that one second, your life could change forever.

“Taking your eyes off the road to check a text, or change a song on your phone, or send a picture, could have devastating consequences.

“The increased penalties we will be enforcing during this week and beyond reflect how truly dangerous using your mobile phone behind the wheel is.

“Is it really worth the fine and points on your licence? New drivers, is it worth losing your full licence? I’d argue it isn’t and I’d urge all motorists to think twice before using a handheld phone.

“For this week of action, there will be an increased police presence on South Yorkshire’s roads and we will be using video cameras to capture any potential criminal offences.

“In addition, it’s worth being aware that for this week of targeted action, the driver awareness course will be suspended so this will not be an option for you if you’re caught using a phone. You will be fined and you will receive six points.”