A TOTAL of 255 motorists have been caught distraction driving during a ten day police operation in Hampshire that took place in November.

Between Monday, November 2 and Friday, November 6, more than 100 motorists were caught whilst distracted, for example using a mobile phone at the wheel. A fortnight later between Monday, November 23 and Friday, November 27, a further 140 drivers were caught.

Using the cab of an unmarked truck as a raised vantage point and supported by roads policing teams from the Hampshire and Thames Valley’s Joint Operations Unit (JOU) patrols were undertaken between 7am and 3pm each day.

Sergeant Paul Diamond, who organised the operation, said: “These results are disappointing as some drivers are putting their own lives and those of others at risk by continuing to ignore repeated messages about distraction driving.

“During the operation last week Officers saw a driver watching YouTube, another using his ipad, and several lorry drivers reading their paperwork. One driver of an HGV even had both feet up on the dashboard whilst also using his mobile phone. He was reported for prosecution.

“These of course are the worst examples. Most of the people we stopped were checking e-mails, calendars and social media on their smart phones.

“We found it surprising that the vast majority of those stopped actually support this initiative and agreed that their actions were unsafe”.

During the operation, officers also reacted to any other offences they encountered and issued tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, and driving without tax and insurance