Police launch crackdown on mobile phone use behind the wheel

Police have launched a Wales-wide crackdown targeting drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel.  ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Led by South Wales Police, forces have launched a social media campaign to remind drivers on the dangers of holding a mobile phone while driving, and to encourage them to report drivers who are using their phone at the wheel. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

All four police forces across Wales will be focusing on some of the main reasons people use their phones while driving; texting, calling, using a sat nav, using social media, and listening to music. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

They will also be carrying out targeted operational activity providing an increased police presence in each force from 16 to 29 March. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

The aim of the campaign is to remind the public of the laws around holding a phone while driving and to encourage them to report dangerous drivers. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Even when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic, it is still breaking the law to use a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Superintendent Jane Banham for North Wales Roads Policing Unit said: “Increasing amounts of drivers are choosing to use their phone while driving to call, text or even check social media. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

 It is illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving. The message is very clear, it’s not worth it.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

If you suspect someone is driving while using their hand-held mobile phone, report it on 101, 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

If you have video or photographic evidence which has been obtained lawfully and safely you can submit it directly to the police via #OpSnap on the Go Safe website ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

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