NOT even a major crackdown on drivers who use their phones at the wheel can deter motorists in Southampton from flouting the law.

In the week that a Hampshire police campaign to crack down on drivers using mobile phones, the Daily Echo clocked more than 30 drivers in two hours using handheld devices whilst driving – that’s nearly one every four minutes.

Many seemed too engrossed in their conversations to notice the traffic around them, let alone the fact they were being photographed.

We caught 32 drivers breaking the law on the day police announced a major crackdown on drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

The motorists were caught on the A33 westbound Redbridge Road slip-road onto the Redbridge Roundabout.

The junction approaches a pelican crossing and a major interchange to the M271 heavily used by container lorries.

The offenders included seven drivers talking into their handsets and 25 texting or looking at their devices while in motion or stopped in traffic.

Most made no attempt to conceal the fact they were talking on their handset, while others could be seen texting while sat at traffic lights with their phones below eye level.

Only one driver seemed to notice and gasped in embarrassment when she realised she had been photographed with her phone in hand.

In response to the number of motorists caught by the Daily Echo, Sgt Rob Heard, of Hampshire police, said: “It is disappointing that so many people are not understanding the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, especially in areas where there are a multiple number of hazards that drivers need to concentrate on.

“When we receive evidence about possible offenders, we will always assess each case on its merits and where necessary deal with these people appropriately.

“The number of people seen by the Echo just shows why we are running this week-long campaign. The A33 is currently one of our key strategic enforcement areas.

“I would urge everyone to turn off their phones when driving, or put them on silent and out of reach to avoid the temptation. No call or text is worth causing injury or death, it’s not worth the risk.”

Plain-clothed officers, unmarked cars and heightened patrols are all tactics being used by police during the crackdown.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the force announced a fresh drive to tackle the problem which has led to 76 motorists being caught this week.

It is illegal to hold hand-held phones and other electronic devices while driving, queuing in traffic, stopped at traffic lights or while supervising learners.

Those using hands-free phones, satnavs and two-way radios may be stopped and penalised if police feel they are distracted and not in control of their vehicles.

Punishments range from an automatic fixed penalty of three points on drivers’ licences and a £100 fine to disqualification and up to a £1,000 fine if the case goes to court.

Hampshire Constabulary’s week-long clampdown, run in partnership with the Thames Valley and Isle of Wight forces, comes after 15,952 drivers were punished across the three counties between March 31 and April 1 last year for using phones at the wheel.

Philip Goose, senior community engagement officer at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “It is worrying to see that too many drivers are still using their mobile phone at the wheel. Phone use, whether hand-held or hands-free, is incredibly dangerous.

“We’re calling for traffic policing to be made a national priority, so police have the resources to catch and penalise risky, multi-tasking drivers, as well as much higher fines to deter phone.”