WATCH out if you are tempted to use your mobile phone whilst driving.
That's the message from Derbyshire Police as they start a month-long campaign targeting law-breakers.
A year ago the penalty for using a hand held mobile phone was increased to three penalty points and a £60 charge.
But it's clear for all to se
e that many drivers either don't take any notice or perhaps still aren't aware of the law.
As one senior police officer said this week: "Although it has been illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving since 2003 an alarming number of people still do it."
Which is really the same as admitting the current deterrents don't work.
This is something that is perfectly apparent. And it is a situation that is not likely to change very much until the penalty is a great deal more meaningful - like an automatic driving ban of at least six months' duration for a first offence.
Just as importantly, drivers need to know they stand a realistic chance of being caught. But with the limited resources available to the police, this simply isn't going to happen.
Meanwhile, using a mobile phone at the wheel remains as big a menace as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
That's a real worry for all other road users.
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