More drivers caught on the phone

More motorists are being caught using mobile phones while driving on the roads of south Worcestershire.

Figures for October show a 71% increase compared with the same time last year.

From April to October this year, some 1,044 motorists were prosecuted for mobile phone offences, up 170% on the same seven months in 2004.

Seat belt offences are also rising, with 2,094 drivers caught not belting up this summer by West Mercia Police.

Both offences are dealt with by a £30 fixed penalty.

A force spokesman said: "These offences are, and will remain, a key priority in our on-going efforts to make the roads of South Worcestershire increasingly safe to travel on.

"Motorists using mobile phones are known to be a major contributor to collisions and, therefore, are a key focus for us in reducing careless and dangerous driving."