Mobile phone checks upped

15 March 2010, 06:17 | Updated: 15 March 2010, 06:28

Oxfordshire's police say they're going to carry out more checks this week to catch drivers using mobiles at the wheel.

More than 7,000 people have been caught and fined for doing it in the Thames Valley in the last year.  Police want to cut the number who risk using a mobile phone while driving and catch those who ignore the warning.

Any driver caught can be given an instant £60 fine and three penalty points.  Some are able to go on a mobile awareness course which means they escape the fine and points, but that option's only open to drivers once every three years.

Thames Valley Police say it isn't just talking on a hand-held mobile that can put you on the wrong side of the law.  Texting, reading, watching, e-mailing, dialling, speaking, looking at pictures, listening or checking for a phone number are also banned.

Road Safety Sergeant Chris Appleby said: "Drivers must remember that using a mobile phone while driving endangers not only themselves but all other road users. Such use of our roads will not be tolerated by Thames Valley Police."