Welsh Police Forces release anti-mobile phone driving campaign results

Thanks to proactive and efficient policing the 2011 All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone While Driving campaign ensured 1,000 motorists were targeted across the Country.

The campaign, involving road safety partners in Wales, aimed to raise awareness among motorists about the real dangers involved when drivers break the law through phoning or texting at the wheel.

For two weeks in September and October, officers from all Welsh Forces carried out proactive patrols to target motorists who endanger other road users through this behaviour, and educated drivers on the penalties they face if caught.

During the campaign, officers detected a total of 1,000 mobile phone driving offences. In the Dyfed Powys force area, 429 notices were given, while in North Wales a total of 168 offenders were caught and apprehended.

South Wales Police issued 274 fixed penalty notices to law-breakers, while in Gwent a total of 129 were issued.

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Ian Arundale said: “These results highlight our commitment to addressing this serious issue. Research indicates that you are four times more likely to crash while driving and using a mobile phone. Obviously there is an element among the motoring public that continue to put themselves and others at risk by driving while using a handheld device.

“We would encourage drivers to switch off their phones while driving; no phone call is so urgent that it requires you to answer it and put yourself and others at risk. We will continue to work closely with our partners to raise awareness, educate and enforce those drivers who continue to flout the law.”

Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales added: “Driving while using a mobile phone is not only illegal but dangerous. It doesn’t just put your own life at risk but more importantly those of your passengers and other road users who may not have a say in your actions behind the wheel.

“We all need to take account of how we drive on our roads and driving a vehicle requires us to multi-task so anything above and beyond that needs to wait until we are safely parked up or until our journey has finished.

“While it’s saddening to see that so many motorists got caught using a mobile phone while driving it has also demonstrated the resolve of all the Road Safety Wales partners in tackling this issue and we will continue to work together to drive home the message that you need to switch off before you drive off.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader and County Councillor Cllr Jamie Adams said: “Taking your eyes off the road – even for just a split second – can have devastating consequences. The Council fully supports the police action in this important road safety campaign.”

All Wales figures:

Total number of Females 25 years of age and under: 89

Total numbers Females 26 years of age and over: 143

Total number of Males 25 years of age and under: 181

Total numbers Males 26 years of age and over: 505

Age and gender unknown: 82