A MAJOR crackdown is taking place this week on motorists who use a mobile phone whilst driving. A countywide campaign targeting mobile phone users at the wheel is taking place this week to tackle a rise in the number of motorists caught out using their mo

A MAJOR crackdown is taking place this week on motorists who use a mobile phone whilst driving.

A countywide campaign targeting mobile phone users at the wheel is taking place this week to tackle a rise in the number of motorists caught out using their mobile phones at the wheel.

Fourteen per cent more drivers were issued with fixed penalty tickets for using their mobile phone while driving compared to last year.

The Essex Casualty Reduction Board (ECRB) is launching the campaign, which includes a hard hitting radio advertisement. Essex Police will also be stepping up its enforcement activities and motorists can expect to see more police checking for mobile phone use than ever before.

Essex County Councillor Norman Hume, chairman of ECRB and cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Over recent months, it has become quite clear an increasing number of motorists are ignoring the dangers and continue to risk their own and other's safety by texting or phoning at the wheel.

"Breaking the law risks death or serious injury. It also means a fine and three points on your licence. If you are a new driver you only need to be caught twice to lose your licence.