Cops target Notts drivers using their mobile phones

Cops caught out scores of drivers using mobile phones at the wheel as part of a campaign to hightlight new tougher penalties, which came into operation recently.
Driving while using a mobile phone  pic richard ponter aDriving while using a mobile phone  pic richard ponter a
Driving while using a mobile phone pic richard ponter a

Nearly 60 motorists were stopped across the four police forces of the East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) during a national week-long crackdown.

The campaign by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) between Wednesday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 7, was designed to highlight the introduction of tough new penalties for driving while using a mobile phone.

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As of March 1 this year, drivers receive six points on their driving licence and a £200 fine.

Nottinghamshire Police claims these 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 either.

EMOpSS provides roads policing and collision investigation to the communities of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

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It also provides armed policing response, firearms training and specialist search skills and dog support.

Across the week the total number of motorists stopped in Nottinghamshire was 15.

Chief Inspector Mark Garthwaite from EMOpSS commented: “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.

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“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 your phone while driving.”

For information and updates on policing across Nottinghamshire, visit the Nottinghamshire Police’s website www.nottinghamshire.police.uk.

Alternatively, visit the force’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/nottspolice or follow them on Twitter @nottspolice

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