Car loan customers 'could be among drivers caught on phone'

Apr 21 2008

Motorists have again been caught using mobile phones while driving thanks to another police operation.

Leicestershire police say they issued 141 fixed penalty notices to people caught on the phone while at the wheel during March.

Potential new car loan customers thinking of buying their first vehicle could be interested in the campaign, which also saw seven other drivers appear in court charged with motoring offences.

Deputy commander of the Leicestershire force's road policing unit sergeant Ivan Staf FORD said: "It is very disappointing that so many motorists are continuing to ignore the fact that mobile phone use whilst driving is illegal."

He added using a phone while driving was a major contributor to crashes, in advice possibly helpful to car loan customers.

Leicestershire police also said unmarked cars had been used for the campaign and would continue to look out for drivers tempted to dial while at the wheel.

Using a handheld device while driving has been a criminal offence since December 2003 meaning car loan customers should have been turning off or using hands-free kits for five years.

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