Eight motorists a week use phones

An average of eight motorists per week are prosecuted in the West Midlands for texting or talking on a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

West Midlands Police said 9,120 drivers had been issued with penalty notices since using mobile phones in cars became an offence in December 2003.

Motorists also run the risk of being charged with careless or dangerous driving if involved in an incident.

Drivers should pull over if they wish to use their phones, a spokesman said.