Ten Northamptonshire motorists were spotted by police using their mobile phone at the wheel during the first week of tougher laws

A week-long campaign targeting Northamptonshire drivers who are still using their mobile phones had some success.
Police say phones should be kept in glove boxesPolice say phones should be kept in glove boxes
Police say phones should be kept in glove boxes

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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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.

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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EMOpSS 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.