THOUSANDS of drivers have been caught using a mobile phone or tablet behind the wheel over the last three years.

Since 2012, 3,616 motorists have been fined by North Yorkshire Police for making a call or texting as they travelled along the county’s roads.

A breakdown of the figures showed that in 2012, 1,623 people were caught, 1,098 were fined a year later, 778 in 2014 and 116 in the first two months of this year.

It became illegal to use a phone while driving in 2006. Drivers can be fined at least £100 and receive three points on their licence if they are caught by the police.

If cases go to court there is a maximum fine of £1,000 while people driving buses or goods vehicles can be fined £2,500.

A police spokeswoman said: “Whilst we have seen a drop in mobile phone and tablet usage since the introduction of legislation, we are still seeing people on a daily basis using their phone to take a call or send a text whilst driving.

“The consequences of driving whilst using a mobile or tablet can be devastating. I urge people to turn off their phones so they are not distracted by a call or a message and concentrate on the road. Taking that call or answering that message could be a killer.”