

1100 'phone drivers' caught in police blitz

NSW police have caught more than 1100 people driving while using their mobile phones in an intensive 24-hour crackdown.

The high number of illegal "phone drivers" caught in last week's operation did not surprise motoring safety groups, who say the dangerous practice is widespread.

"If you stand on any street corner there will be dozens of drivers using handheld mobile phones," the NRMA's Anne Morphett said.

"It's one of those things that everyone may think is harmless, but they're risking themselves and everyone else on the road."

Ms Morphett said the ban which has been around for nearly a decade still isn't getting through to motorists.

"People understand the risk of drink driving and even the risk of speeding, but motorists don't understand how risky it is to use their mobile," Ms Morphett said.

"It's disappointing that drivers aren't changing their behaviour."

Operation Compliance netted 1199 phone-using motorists, with each being fined $243. It also targeted seatbelt and license plate infringements.

"There figures simply are not good enough and indicate that motorists are not taking the message that driving whilst on the phone is dangerous and could cost lives," Chief Superintendent John Hartley said.

The NRMA's Ms Morphett questioned the effectiveness of mass blitzes.

"It might get the message to the thousand people who were caught but it doesn't do much for other people," she said.

© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2018


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