COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Deadly distraction... the campaign aims to stop motorists using mobile phones while behind the wheel.



MOTORISTS across Nuneaton and Bedworth who use their phones while behind the wheel are being warned that they will be the focus of a sting to put the brakes on the 'deadly distraction'.

Warwickshire Police chiefs have warned that, over the coming weeks, officers will be carrying out what has been described as 'targeted enforcement' aimed at cracking down on those who not only flout the law but also put their lives and those of others at risk.

Police, the Safer Roads Partnership and West Midlands Ambulance Service have joined forces to hit home the message to drivers about the potentially fatal distraction phone use can bring.

Police officers and paramedics will work together during shifts, patrolling the county in unmarked vehicles, looking for any motorists using their mobile phone while driving.

If the driver has no previous mobile phone convictions, they will be offered an educational alternative to the penalty points and fine.

Using a mobile phone while driving has been an illegal offence since December 2003 and the penalty for those caught stands at a £100 fine and three penalty points on the offender's licence.

But, it could soon be more as the government has proposed that this should increase to six penalty points and a £200 fine in 2017; ensuring drivers face much tougher penalties.

Superintendent Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police explained that the crackdown operation will run throughout November. "Improving the safety of our roads is a year-round commitment for our officers," Supt Elton said.

"Although mobile phone enforcement is already part of our daily operational activity, we will be stepping up our efforts over the coming weeks to crack down on motorists who are blatantly ignoring both the law and the dangers involved.

"Many motorists are already aware that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media, and applies even if you're stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. With smartphones becoming more and more embedded into our daily routines, we are all aware of how useful they can be. However, it is unacceptable to allow yourself to be distracted by them while driving, and officers will ensure any motorists doing so face the penalties involved."

Martyn Scott , West Midlands Ambulance Service Warwick area manager, said another stark reality of the 'deadly distraction' is the harm it can cause not only to the driver but other motorists as well as pedestrians.

"Sadly our staff are all too familiar with the consequences of people using mobile phones while driving," he said.

"We have seen horrific injuries caused for example by a driver not seeing a pedestrian and being involved in a collision. Tragically, lives have been lost through this sort of action while other people have been left with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives."