Police forces across Wales are today (Monday 22 January 2018) launching a dedicated campaign to target drivers who use their mobile phone behind the wheel.
Using a mobile while operating a vehicle can cause distraction, potentially resulting in a serious injury or fatal collision. Tackling this issue is a priority across Wales.
Dyfed-Powys Police Roads Policing Units will be using an intelligence-led approach, targeting known hotspots to detect offenders.
Superintendent Huw Meredith, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Using a handheld mobile device while driving takes attention away from the road and along with drink driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and driving carelessly, is one of the ‘Fatal 5’; the 5 most common causes of fatal road traffic collisions.
“Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to working in partnership with Go Safe to make our roads as safe as possible and reduce the number of collisions and casualties.
“The message is simple – don’t take the risk.”
The four Welsh police forces, supported by the Safety Camera Partnership, Go Safe, will undertake activity to educate and prevent drivers putting themselves and other road users at risk by using a mobile phone whilst driving.
There Are Strict Penalties for Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
You can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if you’re caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding.
· You’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200
· If your case goes to court, you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a fine of up to £1,000
· Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500
Operation Snap allows members of the public throughout Wales to submit footage and images showing traffic offences being committed – from driving dangerously or carelessly to contravening solid white lines, using a mobile phone while driving or ignoring traffic lights. To submit footage to any of the four Welsh Police Forces, visit https://gosafesnap.wales/ or https://gosafesnap.cymru.
