A POLICE blitz on drivers using mobile phones at the wheel netted nearly 50 offenders in the week-long campaign across Teignbridge and the rest of the south west.

Senior officers said the initiative was a huge success with numerous other motoring offences uncovered during the operation.

They hope the message will get through to reckless drivers that the phone habit is socially unacceptable.

The Government announced last month that penalties for the abuse will be increased to further deter transgressors.

The aim of the initiative, involving unmarked patrol cars, was to highlight the dangers of using a hand-held mobile device while driving. Some studies suggest the habit is as dangerous as drink driving. 

Altogether 48 drivers were stopped for the crime. Numerous other traffic offences were dealt with including 21 motorists with no insurance. Some 84 were stopped for speeding – 17 of which were reported to court for going above 95 mph. 

Nine vehicles were found to have no MOT and seven had no vehicle excise licence. Nine vehicles were seized.

Roads policing spokesman Insp Pete Thomas said: ‘We hope this campaign has encouraged some people to never again use their hand-held phone while driving. We know that the mobile phone is an important part of many people’s lives and some people think a quick call or text while driving does no harm. They are wrong. It is dangerous. 

‘A distraction of a second or two can be the difference between getting home ok or having a serious, potentially fatal collision.’

He added: ‘Our roads policing officers are out every day targeting motorists who break the law. People are killed or seriously injured as a direct consequence of drivers distracted by a mobile device.  ‘These tragedies are avoidable.’