Norfolk Police support national mobile phone campaign

Norfolk Police are supporting a national campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) which aims to raise awareness amongst drivers who choose to use their mobile phone behind the wheel. The campaign starts today (Monday 26 February 2024) and will run until Sunday 10 March 2024.

You are four times more likely to have a crash when you use a mobile phone whilst driving. As a result, it has been illegal to do so since December 2003. Despite over 20 years of enforcement, drivers continue to put themselves and other road users at risk.

The aim of the campaign is to change the behaviour of drivers and highlight the consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This does not only refer to those making calls, but also those who may be checking texts and emails or changing a playlist.

You will see an increased number of patrols in Norfolk with officers actively focussing on those who continue to choose to use their mobile phones whilst driving. This will involve officers utilising both marked and unmarked vehicles in increased patrols to target these offences.  

As of March 2017, drivers committing this offence will automatically receive six points on their driving licence as well as a £200 fine. For new drivers (those who have been driving for under two years) this could see them having their licence taken off them.

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “Mobile phone use whilst driving is one of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences. The fatal four refer to the four leading contributing factors which cause serious and fatal collisions and are the focus for roads policing officers on proactive patrol.

“It is also important to recognise that although legal, hands-free use of your mobile phone is not without risk. Any distraction in a vehicle will increase your chance of being involved in a collision. All road users should consider not dividing their attention between their mobile phone and their driving.”