CHESHIRE Constabulary is taking part in a national week of action against drivers who use their mobile phone behind the wheel.

Starting on April 15, officers will be on the lookout for anyone taking a call, texting or scrolling through their phone while driving.

Head of Cheshire Police’s Roads and Crime Unit, Superintendent Jo Marshall-Bell said: “National statistics suggest that drivers who use mobile phones behind the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in a collision.

“We will have covert vehicles and officers out and about on the lookout for people brazen enough to flout the law. These covert officers could be in vans, on motorbikes or pedestrians.

“If caught using your mobile phone while driving, you will face the prospect of a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence and, if you’re under 21, you could lose your licence.”

As well as enforcement, the campaign will focus on educating drivers about the dangers of driving whist using a mobile phone. Throughout the week-long operation the force will be issuing messages through the @CheshirePolice and @CheshPolTaskforce social media accounts.

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Using a phone whilst driving is completely irresponsible. Not only does it put the lives of the driver themselves at risk but could also risk of the lives of other road users or pedestrians.

“I am shocked at the sheer number of people who continue to use their mobile phone behind the wheel when they are well aware of the dangers and know they are breaking the law.

“Using mobile phone is not worth the loss of someone’s life or a lengthy prison sentence.”