Anti-mobile phone driving campaign

Despite the law change in February 2007 where using a mobile phone while driving can result in three penalty points and a £100 fine, drivers in Wales are still persisting with this dangerous activity and breaking the law.

Nearly 1,000 motorists were caught using their mobile phones while at the wheel during the 2012 campaign.

Police patrols to target mobile phone driving will increase across Welsh roads for the duration of the enforcement campaign, October 15 to 31, to promote the safety message and raise awareness of the dangers and penalties.

The campaign is led by South Wales Police in partnership with Road Safety Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: "The consequences of a lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating to road users and pedestrians.

“As soon as a driver answers a call, looks at their phone to text or read a message, their concentration is affected and as a result, they cannot give their full attention to the road and risk becoming involved in a collision.”

Road Safety Wales chairman and Dyfed-Powys Police Road Safety Officer, Susan Storch, added:

“Unfortunately many people still consider it normal to use their mobile phone whilst driving, putting themselves, their passengers and other innocent road users in potentially serious danger.”