Ten Northamptonshire motorists were spotted by police using their mobile phone at the wheel during the first week of tougher laws
The week-long campaign by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) between Wednesday 1 March and Tuesday 7 March was designed to highlight the introduction of tough new penalties for driving while using a mobile phone.
Since March 1 2017, drivers receive six points on their driving licence and receive a £200 fine.
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Hide AdThese changes will have a significant impact on young drivers in particular as they risk having their driving licence revoked following a first offence. Motorists will no longer be offered the opportunity to go on a driver awareness course.
Across the week the total number of motorists stopped were;
Leicestershire 16
Lincolnshire 16
Northamptonshire 10
Nottinghamshire 15
Total 57
Chief Inspector Mark Garthwaite from East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) said; “The numbers of people stopped are higher than an average week because we had specific operations and Fatal4 clinics running across the week, however, the changes to the legislation have been very well publicised and so there is no excuse for anyone to think it is acceptable to drive and use their mobile phone.
“Our officers will continue to stop motorists whose behaviour risks causing serious injury, or death, to themselves or others.
"As the Government’s THINK! campaign says, when you are driving make your glove compartment your phone compartment and remove the temptation to use or check yourphone while driving.”
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Hide AdEMOpSS provides roads policing and collision investigation to the communities of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire. It also provides armed policing response, firearms training and specialist search skills and dog support.