Drivers flouting mobile phone law

More than 1,600 motorists have been fined during the last three months for using mobile phones while driving, Thames Valley Police have said.

Figures released show that drivers are continuing to flout the law even though they face fines of up to £1,000.

A police spokesman said: "You are four times more likely to crash if you are using a mobile phone while driving.

"In our experience this is a frequent factor in road collisions across the Thames Valley."

'Lives in jeopardy'

Laws introduced on 1 December 2003 made it illegal to drive while using a hand-held mobile phone.

Malcolm Collis, of Thames Valley Roads policing department, said: "We have been enforcing this law for nearly three years now and there are still people who flout the law.

"These people need to understand that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, dangerous and we will continue to be tough with people who put their lives and the lives of other road-users in jeopardy by taking calls while on the move. "

Drivers caught receive a £30 fine or, depending on the seriousness of the offence, could go to court and receive a fine of up to £1,000.