POLICE in Avon and Somerset are cracking down on drivers using their mobile phone or other devices as part of a nationwide three-week initiative from today (Monday, February 27).
It comes as figures show there have been more than 4,500 fatal or injury collisions on force area roads since the start of 2021. One in four involved a distraction, mobile phone use or a driver failing to look properly.
From today until March 12, officers will be carrying out high profile enforcement to reassure the public and help influence driver decisions around using a mobile.
The operation will highlight law changes around mobile phones, raising awareness that it is now illegal to hold and use a mobile phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. That includes unlocking the screen, checking the time, texting, making or rejecting calls, taking photos or videos, browsing the web and drafting or reading texts.
The law still applies if you are:
stopped at traffic lights;
queuing in traffic;
supervising a learner driver;
driving a car fitted with stop/start technology that switches the engine off when you come to a stop;
holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode.
Penalties range from six points and a £200 fine to being disqualified from driving and facing court, where a fine of £1,000 can be imposed (£2,500 if driving a lorry or bus).
The situations in which a device can be used are:
to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop;
you’re safely parked;
you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that’s not moving (for example at a drive through restaurant);
you’re using the device to park remotely.
Police are also encouraging people to share video evidence (dashcam, cyclecam, helmetcam and others) of drivers using their phone at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/roads to help prosecute offenders.
Inspector John Shaddick, of Avon and Somerset's Tactical Support Team, said: “The majority of people agree that driving while distracted is dangerous and completely unacceptable behaviour.
"In the last 12 months, we’ve received 713 videos of drivers using their mobile phones from drivers with dash cams.
"We’ve taken police action in 607 of those cases, and are grateful to members of the public who are working with us to keep our roads safer.
“To those tempted to use their phones whilst driving, we say put it somewhere you can’t see, hear, or reach it and allow yourself a break to park up and check it if you need to."
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