Crackdown catches 190 drivers on their phones

A crackdown at the end of last month snared 190 drivers.

Police have branded the figures a ‘disappointing’ 36 per cent increase on the same operation run last year.

One driver, in Aldershot, was on their way to a mobile phone referral course having been stopped once before.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Road Safety Sergeant, Rob Heard, said: ‘These results are disappointing as it shows too many people still do not understand the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving.

‘The majority of people know they should not be using their phone whilst driving, but appear not to understand what a huge distraction it is.

‘This just shows the reason why we need to run such campaigns and remind people of the dangers and prosecute those who feel it is still acceptable to take that risk.’

In total, 83 per cent of those stopped were men, 81 per cent over the age of 25, 70 per cent were car drivers and 25 van drivers.