A CAMPAIGN to crackdown on distracted drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel has seen 133 motorists handed fines and penalty points.

During a week of action, officers from Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU), dedicated their shifts to deterring drivers from texting or talking on their phones while travelling on the region’s roads.

Marked and unmarked vehicles were used during the operation between Monday, January 23, and Sunday, January 29, with dozens of drivers given a £100 fine for the offence and three penalty points.

Durham Police and Cleveland Police have since confirmed 72 motorists with mobiles were apprehended in County Durham and Darlington, with a further 61 motorists cautioned in Teesside.

CDSOU launched the week-long campaign ahead of tougher punishments being brought into effect next month.

The offence of driving while using mobile phone will carry a £200 fine and six penalty points as of March 1.

The stricter penalty system is set to hit new drivers hardest as six penalty points will see their licence revoked during their probationary period on the road.

CDSOU Inspector Harry Simpson said: “We use both marked and unmarked cars during our operations and all are equipped with on-board cameras to record any offences.

“While I believe the vast majority of drivers on our roads are behaving sensibly, we still caught 133 drivers who were putting themselves and others at serious risk.

“These people will now have to deal with the consequences of their actions.”

The week-long campaign was supported by activity overseen by the National Police Chiefs Council in a attempt to increase awareness around the offence.

Ron Hogg, Durham Police Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, said: “These results should really demonstrate that the Constabulary is serious about apprehending people who use their mobile phones whilst driving.

“The new penalties are a further deterrent and I call on Government, and our local partners, to reinforce the message that using a mobile phone whilst driving is a danger to everyone on the roads.”