A POLICE operation to target motorists who use their mobile phones while driving is under way.

Cheshire Constabulary is taking part in a national week of action against drivers who ignore the rules of the road.

Officers are on the lookout for anyone scrolling through social media, texting or taking a call while at the wheel of a vehicle.

National figures show that drivers who use mobile phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.

In 2017 officers handed out 1,822 tickets to motorists who were stopped for using their phone while driving.

Anyone who is caught faces the prospect of a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence, as well as an increase in their car insurance premium.

Insp Steve Griffiths, from Cheshire Roads Policing Team, said: “I’ve dealt with many serious and fatal collisions throughout my career but more and more incidents involve the use of mobile phones at the wheel.

“Checking for a text, or picking up the phone could be enough of a distraction for you to kill someone at the wheel.

"Having that on your conscience and facing a prison sentence just isn’t worth it.”

The campaign will also focus on educating drivers about the dangers of driving while using a phone.

Insp Griffiths added: “This operation is not just about issuing tickets, it’s also about educating motorists about the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving to help prevent tragedies occurring.

“My advice is simply, if you’re driving a car, concentrate on the road and not your mobile phone. It could be the difference between life and death.”