A DRIVER was caught watching YouTube during a police operation to catch distracted motorists across Hampshire and the Thames Valley.

A total of 225 motorists were caught driving whilst distracted during the 10 day Operation Tramline, which was carried out on the M3, M27, A34, M4 and the M40 in November.

Using the cab of an unmarked truck as a raised vantage point and supported by roads policing teams from the Hampshire and Thames Valley Joint Operations Unit (JOU), patrols were undertaken between 7am and 3pm each day.

The truck was provided at no cost by Highways England.

Sergeant Paul Diamond, who organised the operation, said: "These results are disappointing as some drivers are putting their own lives and those of others at risk by continuing to ignore repeated messages about distraction driving.

"During the operation officers saw a driver watching YouTube, another using his ipad, and several lorry drivers reading their paperwork. One driver of an HGV even had both feet up on the dashboard whilst also using his mobile phone. He was reported for prosecution.

"These of course are the worst examples. Most of the people we stopped were checking e-mails, calendars and social media on their smart phones.

"We found it surprising that the vast majority of those stopped actually support this initiative and agreed that their actions were unsafe."

During the operation, officers also reacted to any other offences they encountered and issued tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, and driving without tax and insurance.

A total of 416 drivers were stopped during the operation. 

  • 243 were dealt with for mobile phone offences
  • 12 were not in proper control
  • 12 were not wearing seatbelts
  • 42 were speeding
  • 12 had no MOT
  • Six were driving without due care and attention
  • Six drivers had their vehicles seized for either not having a driving licence or insurance
  • £1,700 of roadside fines were issued to lorry drivers breaching driving hours rules.

A total of 31 drivers were given a verbal warning or advice, 338 were offered a referral course or given a fixed penalty notice, 12 foreign drivers were issued a graduated fixed penalty notice and six drivers were reported for summons.

Police are warning drivers that you are four times more likely to crash if you are using a mobile phone while driving, and you reaction time is around 50 per cent slower.

If caught using a phone while driving you could receive a fixed penalty notice of three points on your licence and a fine of £100.

The case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving and receive a maximum fine of £1,000.