Why police will be stopping cars on Sheffield roads for the next two weeks

South Yorkshire Police’s roads policing team and members of Safer Roads South Yorkshire are taking part in a national campaign in a bid to save lives.

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Studies have shown that drivers who use their phone behind the wheel are slower to identify and react to hazards.

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Those who are caught and have only passed their tests over the last two years will be automatically banned from driving.

Roads Policing Inspector, Jason Booth, said: “The law states that it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving or riding a motorcycle.

“If you are caught using your mobile phone you could be given six penalty points and a £200 fine. If you have passed your driving test in the last two years, you will automatically lose your licence.

“If points and a fine are not enough of a deterrent, we are urging drivers to think of the innocent pedestrians and passengers that have lost their lives and the drivers who have never returned home to their families for the sake of making a call, sending a text, or checking social media.”

He added: “We will continue our efforts to ensure that drivers are not putting themselves and other road users at risk and as part of the on-going campaign we will be upping our efforts to catch those who think it is acceptable.

“The message is clear, don’t use your mobile phone while driving.”