POLICE officers from the Hampshire and Thames Valley Joint Operation Unit have mounted a week-long operation to target people who use their mobile phones while driving.

The operation, which ran across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Thames Valley areas, saw dedicated teams of officers targeting those who break the law.

As well as imposing penalties on those who flout the law, the police have been educating drivers about the dangers that can be caused when they use their mobile phone when they are driving.

Between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, officers caught 15,952 drivers using mobile phones or similar devices, across the three counties.

A total of 5,280 drivers were caught in the Hampshire Constabulary area.

If caught using your phone, you can expect an automatic fixed penalty notice of three points on your licence, a fine of £100 and drivers could face disqualification if taken to court.

As an alternative, those caught may be offered a driver diversion course as an alternative to prosecution.

The cost of the course is £85 and is run by AA DriveTech.

Sergeant Rob Heard said: “Using a mobile phone whilst driving is extremely dangerous.

“You are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone whilst driving.

“The reaction times for drivers is around 50 per cent slower than normal when using a phone.

“My advice is to turn off your phone or put it on silent.

“Keep your phone out of reach to avoid the temptation of looking at texts or making a call – it’s not worth the risk.”