‘KEEP your eyes on the road’ and not your mobile say Dyfed-Powys Police as an all Wales crackdown on driving while using a phone is launched.

The number of motorists using mobile phones to make calls, text or updating social media while driving is on the rise and distracted driving is expected to be the biggest cause of death and injuries on the road in 2016.

Wales’ four police force areas, led by Gwent Police, and in partnership with Road Safety Wales, started its campaign today and it will run until November 20.

During the campaign, officers will be speaking to drivers about the dangers of using mobile phones when driving and also about the dangers of being distracted behind the wheel. Officers will be stopping motorists seen using their mobile phones whilst driving and any offenders can expect a £100 fine and 3 points on their licence.

In Wales more than 500 motorists were caught using their mobile phones whilst behind the wheel during the 2015 campaign.

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Inspector Peter Roderick said: “Even experienced and competent drivers can be easily distracted and a slight lapse in concentration can have serious consequences. We’re seeing drivers not only distracted with calls and texts, but checking social media, reading emails or accessing the internet. Even when a vehicle is stationary stuck in traffic or at traffic lights, such usage of a mobile phone is still illegal and dangerous.

“Our main message is clear; keep your eyes on the road. A lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating and this is why officers from Dyfed-Powys Police and the other three Welsh forces will be carrying out proactive patrols to target motorists who endanger road users in this way.”

Chairman of Road Safety Wales Susan Storch said: “Driving a vehicle requires us to multi-task so anything above and beyond that needs to wait until we are safely parked up or until our journey has finished.

"Campaigns such as this demonstrate the resolve of all the Road Safety Wales partners in tackling this issue and we will continue to work together to drive home the message of not using your mobile phone behind the wheel. No call or text is that important.”

Drivers are also reminded that it is illegal to use your phone even if stopped at traffic lights, stuck in traffic or in a car park.

Gwent Police will be updating social media with advice and guidance throughout the campaign and campaign material can be found using the hashtag #eyesontheroad. For more advice and guidance, please go to our website www.gwent.police.uk