Drivers on phones to escape fines

Motorists spotted using handheld mobile phones while driving will escape a fine if caught during a safety campaign.

Instead of a £30 penalty, they will be urged to give thought to the potential consequences of their actions.

Road safety officers from Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police were targeting drivers on the A4130 in Henley on Thursday.

They decided to launch the educational campaign after a survey highlighted the number of drivers still using phones.

Julie Jones, council road safety officer, said: "The survey results on phone-use paints a pretty grim picture and even the very conservative figure of 1.5% of 30m drivers poses a huge potential risk to us all.

"Drivers should know that if they use a handheld mobile phone they are four times more likely to be involved in an accident."