Drivers urged to look out for mobile users

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said a scheme using ‘community spotters’ to target repeat offenders will be piloted during a week-long crackdown.

Police will also use unmarked vans and helmet cameras to try to curb the use of hand-held phones at the wheel.

The NPCC said 2,323 offences were discovered during a week of action against drivers using their phones in May.

It comes after Hampshire lorry driver Tomasz Kroker was jailed for 10 years for killing a mother and three children by ploughing into their stationary car while looking at his mobile phone at the wheel.

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, the NPCC roads policing lead, said: ‘Forces are coming together this week with innovative approaches to catching those driving when distracted and campaign to make drivers think twice about using their mobiles at the wheel.’

A RAC survey found 31 per cent of drivers this year admit using a handheld phone behind the wheel, compared with eight per cent in 2014.

The police campaign will run until Monday morning.