Police will target drivers who continue to use mobile phones

The two-week education and enforcement drive begins on Monday.

High-visibility and unmarked police vehicles will patrol roads to identify drivers who the force say are a hazard to themselves and other road-users.

New legislation was introduced in December 2003 making it an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone while in control of a vehicle.

'Full control'

Since the new law came into force, 52 drivers have been reported for offences in Cumbria.

Research by the Transport Research Laboratory showed the reactions of a motorist using a hand-held mobile phone were 50% slower than the average driver, and 30% slower than drivers who exceeded the drink-drive limit.

Sergeant Tim Ward, of south Cumbria mobile support group, which is overseeing the campaign, said: "A driver must be in a position to have full control of their vehicle at all times.

"Using a mobile phone - whether hand-held or hands-free - will distract a motorist and not give them that full control.

"Our message clear - it is not safe to use a mobile phone while driving.

"If you must make or receive a call, first find a safe place to stop your vehicle."