DRIVERS using mobile phones at the wheel were targeted by a police operation last week.
Six Surrey Police officers supported by PCSOs descended on Redhill on Thursday following concerns from residents.
Setting up checkpoints in Carlton Road and Batts Hill, the team observed drivers during the morning rush hour after receiving a call complaining about the number of drivers breaking the law in the area. But though eight drivers were pulled over for not wearing seat belts, none were spotted using their phone while at the wheel.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Simon Ward said: "Speaking to residents along different routes we have had complaints about the number of people using mobile phones. People were asking what we would do about it.
"It is a deterrent; if people know the police are out and about looking at this it might stop anyone who is thinking about using their phone. It is good in many ways that we didn't see anyone – it is a sign that most people have got the message that using their phone at the wheel is wrong."
The patrol set up camp close to the entrance of St Bede's School in Carlton Road, as students were dropped off for the day. A pair of officers at each end of the road spotted offending drivers who were flagged down to a side road by officers between the two points.
Sgt Ward said the close proximity of schoolchildren crossing the road highlighted the dangers of using a phone at the wheel.
He told the Mirror: "It is very distracting, it means you are not fully concentrating. People do not realise when they are on their mobile phones that they are not driving properly.
"They can be driving along and not see the car in front has stopped or can take corners badly. It's dangerous.
"It is the quiet roads where people start using their phones."
Driving with a mobile phone is an endorsable offence punishable by three points and a £90 fine, or a fine and a compulsory driver's education course.
During the operation eight drivers were pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt.Half were given Traffic Offence Reports, resulting in fines, penalty points or a compulsory driver's education course. The other four received Driver Alerts, with their name kept on file.
