SCORES of motorists have been fined for taking photographs of a major lorry crash while behind the wheel.

The southbound carriageway of the A34 was brought to a standstill for 12 hours after the lorry overturned, spilling its load of notebooks and pens and leaving two people in hospital.

But as emergency services rushed to the aid of those involved in the crash, police caught those driving in the opposite direction taking snaps from behind the wheel as they passed.

In total more than 60 motorists were spotted by officers from Hampshire’s road policing unit committing the offence of using their phones or other handheld devices.

Police recorded the number plates of those seen taking photos from the driver’s seat. The registered owners will be tracked down through the DVLA and letters sent to them.

A second letter will then be sent to the identified driver issuing them with a fixed penalty notice or the offer to take a driver awareness course.

A police spokesperson confirmed that no drivers have been prosecuted yet. A typical punishment is three penalty points and a £100 fine, but that is decided on a case by case basis.

They added that it is an offence to use the devices while on a highway, no matter if the vehicle is moving or stopped.

Inspector Andy Storey, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “It became apparent that drivers on the opposite carriageway were putting themselves and others in danger by slowing down and taking photos on their mobiles or similar devices of the accident.

“These drivers were distracted and all it takes is a split-second lapse in concentration to result in a crash.

“Our roads policing officers are committed to reducing and preventing road casualties.”

He said that statistically drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone, adding: “We were very lucky we weren’t called to an accident on the opposite carriageway as result.”

The crash, which saw the road closed for 12 hours, happened last Wednesday and saw the lorry driver airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. A second driver was also treated at the scene after his silver Skoda Octavia ended up in a ditch on the other side of the carriageway.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and bailed until December 2.

Anyone with information about the incident should call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.