Drivers caught using their phones along the M40 and M25

Officers from the Thames Valley Police Roads Policing unit confirmed in the evening of Monday, December 9 that they situated themselves near an unmarked lorry provided by National Highways[1] at a service station to see if anyone was breaking any laws whilst driving. Patrols were conducted on the M40 and M25 in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire respectively. Upon their week out and about, officers from the force dealt with the following crimes:

• 62 drivers using mobile phones
• 37 drivers not wearing seat belts
• 7 incidents of careless driving
• 4 incidents of not being in proper control of their vehicle
• 2 drivers without insurance
• 1 driver without a licence

In all, 113 separate crimes were dealt with by Thames Valley Police.

The force was praised for their work on social media, but many users were 'frightened' at the high number of drivers that were caught using their mobile phones when on the motorway.

One commenter said: "Bigger fines for mobile use.

Horrified at this number."

References

1. ^ National Highways (www.facebook.com)