Drivers warned to hang up phone

A four-week campaign to stop drivers using their mobile phones is being launched by Derbyshire police.

The initiative, which begins on Sunday, also aims to ensure car users are wearing their seat belts.

Leaflets will warn drivers about their responsibilities and patrols will be on the look-out for offenders, who can expect a £30 fixed penalty ticket.

Officers said a particular concern was the number of parents who fail to make sure children are properly restrained.

Chf Insp Paul Berry, head of the force's Road Policing Unit, added: "Despite considerable publicity, far too many drivers can still be seen talking on their mobile phones.

"This distracts their attention from the road and the evidence clearly shows that this commonly leads to collisions."