MORE than 3,000 Dorset drivers have been caught flouting the law so far this year during the No Excuse campaign.

Police officers issued tickets to more than 2,000 motorists and the remainder received letters through the post after being captured on camera.

There were more than 800 offences for failing to wear seatbelts or using a mobile phone while behind the wheel, including a ticket issued to a passenger supervising a learner driver.

Twenty-six drivers received tickets for failing to be in control of their vehicle or driving without a proper view while 54 were caught driving without a valid MOT, vehicle excise licence or insurance.

Excuses ranged from a new driver stopped with his phone to his ear who told officers he was “listening to the cricket” and a lady who said: “I knew you would catch me one day, I’m always speeding through here.”

Chief Inspector Bob Nichols said the decision to continue the No Excuse campaign for a second year underlined Dorset Road Safe’s commitment to reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on the county’s roads.

He added: “We know, from bitter experience, that more often than not distraction or speed are responsible for collisions, while the refusal to wear seatbelts often results in a more serious outcome.

“While we are seeing great support for the initiative there are too many local motorists still taking a chance.

“The message is clear – we want all drivers to take responsibility and ensure a safer environment for everyone.”