Norfolk Police get on buses to catch passing drivers on phones

Police officers are boarding buses in an attempt to catch passing motorists using their mobile phones at the wheel.

Norfolk Police started its partnership with First Bus on 26 February, and on that day, it said it detected 39 people using their phone while driving.

Offenders could receive six points on their licence and fines of up to £1,000.

Sgt Adrian Hales said using a mobile affects people's "hazard perception".

"Any distraction whilst driving shows very similar effects... as those driving under the influence of alcohol," said Sgt Hales, who is part of the force's roads and armed policing team.

Norfolk Police estimates that those who use a phone while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.

The operation will involve uniformed officers equipped with video recording equipment to identify passing motorists.

Giles Orpen-Smellie, Norfolk's police and crime commissioner, said: "Alerting drivers to the dangers they put themselves and others into is vital for changing people's behaviour."

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