Police in Cornwall are taking part in a national clampdown on drivers using mobile phones that gets under way today.

The Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police Alliance Roads Policing Team is taking part in the first of a series of national enforcement campaigns in advance of changes to the law on mobile phone offences in March 2017.

During the week-long campaign, running from today until Sunday, offenders will be reminded of the dangers of being distracted at the wheel, and of the upcoming changes to the law.

Motorists caught using a mobile phone are currently given three penalty points and a minimum fine of £100. Under the new rules, expected from March 1, drivers can expect to receive stiffer penalties with six points on their licence and a £200 fine.

These changes will have a significant impact on young motorists who offend, who risk having their licence revoked following a first offence. More experienced drivers also risk going to court if they offend twice, with a possible fine of up to £1,000 and a driving ban of at least six months. 

More information about the law on using a mobile device while driving, and about the potentially devastating effects of driving if distracted, can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/on-the-road/driving-while-using-a-mobile-device/