MORE than 140 people have been stopped by police for using mobile phones while driving, during a week-long operation.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Joint Operation Unit carried out the operation across the two force areas between May 23 and May 29.

The aim of the operation was to target people who used their mobile phones while driving, because motorists using their phones are four times more likely to crash.

As well as imposing penalties on drivers who were caught, dedicated officers also used the operation as an opportunity to educate motorists on the dangers of driving whilst distracted.

During the week, one driver threw their mobile phone on the back seat when officers indicated the vehicle to pull over; one driver had plugged headphones into their phone which were attached to the windscreen in order to watch a YouTube video, and one driver, who was given a penalty notice, threw it back at the officer and drove off.

Of the 144 cars stopped during the operation, 141 drivers were caught using a mobile phone.

Police offered 61 per cent of those caught a referral for a driver diversion course, and 30 per cent were issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Of these, 64 drivers were stopped by officers based at Whitchurch, 63 of whom were caught using their mobile phone and one caught using another distraction and not being in proper control.

Hampshire Constabulary road safety sergeant Rob Heard said: “It seems many people still do not understand the dangers of using a mobile phone, other handheld devices or other distractions while driving. The number of drivers caught has halved compared to a similar operation in January. However this still isn’t good enough.

“The majority of people know they should not be using a phone or device at the wheel, but don’t seem to understand what a huge distraction it is.

“Distraction can be a major contribution in road accidents. By looking at your phone or tablet’s screen or using it you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and your reaction times can be around 50 per cent slower.”

He added: “My advice is to turn off your phone and other devices while driving, put it out of reach and out of view. This way you won’t be tempted to look at it and become distracted. It’s not worth the risk.”