1,000 fined over phone at wheel

The ban on using mobile phones, which includes reading and sending text and picture messages, has been enforced by North Yorkshire Police since January 31, 2004.

This followed a "honeymoon period" agreed by the Association of Chief Police Officers to allow drivers to become accustomed to the new law.

Police chiefs warned that those who fail to take heed of the law were not only being hit in the pocket, but also posed a serious danger to other road users.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins, who is in charge of territorial policing, said: "The figures show that the illegal use of mobile phones is still far too prevalent. Even careful and experienced drivers can be distracted by a phone call or text message. That distraction could result in a crash and injury - or even loss of life. The only way for a driver to use a mobile phone in a moving vehicle is with a hands-free kit, or - better yet - to turn the phone off and use voicemail."

Mr Collins said they would continue to be vigilant against motorists who broke the law, and he urged drivers to think about their actions.

He said: "When the phone rings or the bleep of an incoming text message sounds, people must ask themselves: 'Is this call or message so important that it is worth the risk of being hit with a fine?'

"More pointedly, is it so important that the risk is worth being killed or killing somebody else?'

"If you actually think about it, it's a no-brainer."

Meanwhile, road safety charity Brake today welcomed the action taken by the force.

Spokeswoman Caroline Chisholm said: "I think it's wonderful that they have fined so many drivers.

"Some forces have only literally fined a handful of people. This has been law for quite some time, but most of us see drivers using their mobiles all the time.

"It's a serious issue that puts people's lives at risk."

Updated: 10:44 Saturday, June 25, 2005