DRIVERS STILL RISKING LIVES FOR A CHAT

This driver could face a fine and three penalty points if caught

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THIS driver at Mumps roundabout was among those caught by a Chronicle photographer flouting the law banning mobile phone use while driving.

And law-breaking motorists will be the target today when high-tech mobile cameras takes to Oldham’s roads.

Drivers caught using their mobile while driving will receive a £60 fixed penalty and three penalty points on their licence.

If the case goes to court and they are found guilty, the maximum fine is £1,000 for car drivers and £2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses or coaches.

The mobile CCTV cameras are fitted to two Smart cars run by the Greater Manchester Accident Reduction Partnership.

Mike Downes, the partnership’s project manager, said: “On a monthly average we detect 650 offenders, and 95 per cent of them pay the fixed penalty.

“A lot of accidents are caused by people losing control of cars, many of them using mobile phones.

“We have two Smart cars, well signed with a large extending mast from the roof with a camera on the top, operated by two PCSOs.

“They cover the whole of the Greater Manchester area, and they are in Oldham this week.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure said: “There have been several deaths in the UK in the last year caused by people using their mobile phones to text or answer a call while driving.

“Recent research from the RAC showed that reaction times slowed by 35 per cent when 17 to 24-year-olds drove while reading and writing text messages.

“Texters often drifted out of lanes, had poorer steering control and the overall driving performance was poor.

“This is a serious issue and quite rightly anyone caught can expect a £60 fine and three penalty points at least.

“The council works in schools and colleges, and with the public, to reduce the number of collisions involving young drivers across the borough. We all need to appreciate that a few seconds distraction can cause a lifetime’s regret — no call or text is worth the risk.”