CHESHIRE Police is taking part in a national week of action against drivers who use their mobile phone behind the wheel.

The week of action begins on April 15, with officers taking part in enforcement and educational activity in support of the National Police Chief Council’s countrywide campaign.

Jo Marshall-Bell, head of Cheshire Police’s Roads and Crime Unit, superintendent said: “National statistics suggest drivers who use mobile phones behind the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.

“Why drivers continue to use their phones while knowing this utterly baffles me.

“I have no doubt that the majority, if not all, road users know it is against the law to use their mobile phone while driving.”

Using a mobile phone while driving is one of the main contributory factors in a fatal collision, so officers will be on the lookout for anyone taking a call, texting or scrolling through their phone while driving.

Jo added: “Many people try and hide it down by their laps in a bid to avoid being caught.

"We will have covert vehicles and officers out and about on the lookout for people brazen enough to flout the law.

“These covert officers could be in vans, on motorbikes or pedestrians – can you be certain you’re not being spotted by officers?

"People are dying on our roads as a result of people’s reckless decisions and it is a tragedy for those families who have lost their loved one.

“There is no excuse. If caught using your mobile phone while driving you will face the prospect of a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence and, if you’re under 21, you could lose your licence.”