Norfolk police catch 236 drivers using phones in Norwich

In total 236 drivers in Norwich were caught using their phones illegally between January 1 and April 30.  

Of this number, 41 people were required to attend court, where they could face larger fines and driving bans.

Hundreds of drivers have been caught in Norwich in the first four months of 2024 (Image: PA)

Bracondale saw the most offences recorded, with 41 drivers caught. Boundary Road and Dereham Road came in second and third place, with 28 and 15 drivers penalised.

Holding and using a phone, even while stationary, is a criminal offence that attracts a penalty fine of up to £1,000 and six points on a license.

As part of the data released by the police, the youngest driver was 20 years old and the oldest was 79 years old.

Around 68pc of drivers stopped in the city were male.

THE BUS BUSTERS

In February police launched an initiative where officers would ride on the top of double-decker buses to spot motorists on the phone.

In just one day 39 drivers were caught this way.

One driver had only just passed her driving test before being spotted.

New drivers have their licence revoked if they receive six or more penalty points, within two years of passing their test.

Norfolk police officers have been using buses as part of the crackdown (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

This means she will now have to re-sit both her theory and practical driving tests before being able to drive again.

Another driver who was stopped for mobile phone use already had 12 points on their licence.

They now face losing their licence as a result.

READ MORE: Quaint city street is hotspot for illegal driving

"WE NEED TO PUT AN END TO THE SELFISH HABITS"

Green councillor Liam Calvert of Wensum Ward welcomed the crackdown saying: "Across the country around five people are killed in traffic accidents every day, and 80 people suffer life-changing injuries on the road.

"I welcome any police enforcement against illegal and dangerous driving as a way to reduce this sad and preventable toll.

Officers use the vantage point and recording equipment to catch the offenders (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

"Phone driving isn’t normal or acceptable, but it is all too common.

"Agencies such as Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Police must work together to bring about safe speeds, safe streets, safe vehicles and safe behaviours - in this case putting an end to the selfish habits of a minority of phone drivers, and, where necessary, taking away their licences."

On a single day in February, 39 people were caught using their phones behind the wheel (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Sergeant Adrian Hales, from Norfolk’s Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "Our focus has been on mobile phone use, including while stationary or in slow-moving traffic.

"When you are engaged in a phone call, your hazard perception decreases as does your situational awareness.

"You are less likely to notice hazards right in front of you, even at low speeds or when stationary. The phrase used is that you are looking but failing to see, as your concentration is elsewhere.

"Any distraction while driving shows very similar effects on your driving behaviour as those driving under the influence of alcohol.

"While it is not an offence to use your phone on an in-car hands-free device, the distraction level is still the same.”

Liam Calvert is a Green Party councillor for the Wensum ward (Image: Cllr Liam Calvert)

RECENT LAW CHANGES

Changes to the law in 2022 expanded the meaning of ‘using’ a mobile phone, making it illegal to even illuminate the screen while driving, as well as check the time, unlocking the device, and making or receiving a call.

There are some exceptions such as calling 999, if it is unsafe or impractical to stop, or making a contactless payment in a drive-thru.

However, in most cases, you should wait until you are safely parked before using a hand-held mobile phone.