DORSET Police handed out 450 fixed penalty tickets last year to drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

They say motorists who continue to flout the law by using their phones are putting road users' lives at risk.

Research has shown that driver reaction times can slow down by a staggering 50 per cent when using a hand-held phone and this could be the difference between arriving safely at a destination or never arriving at all.

Sergeant Nikki Fawkes, of the force's traffic unit, said: "People seem to forget that driving is a skill that requires full concentration.

"Even if you are a careful driver, it's easy to be distracted by a phone call or text message. It is vitally important that as soon as you are behind the wheel, you concentrate on only one thing - the road ahead.

"Our message is very simple - it is not acceptable to pick up the phone while driving.

"Wait until it is convenient to pull over safely, or when you have arrived at your destination, before making or taking calls.

"In addition, callers have a responsibility in keeping the roads safe. If the person on the phone is driving, then hang up and speak to them later.

"I'd also like to remind employers that they should not put pressure on employees to make or receive calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving."

The penalty for using a hand-held phone while driving is a £60 fine and three penalty points.

If a driver accrues six points within the first two years of passing their driving test they will have their licence revoked and will have to re-sit the test.

Sgt Fawkes added: "This penalty also applies to motorists who are caught using their phone to send, or read, text messages while driving.

"This is potentially even more dangerous than speaking to someone on the phone because your eyes are completely taken off the road."

  • To contact Dorset Police or report a non-urgent crime call 01202 222222.