A motorist a day caught using phone while driving in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire

The stark figures have been released as the National Police Chief’s Council launches its month-long campaign this which will see officers targeting motorists using hand-held devices while driving.

Those caught doing so face a minimum £200 fine and six points on their license.

In total, 385 drivers were caught using the phone while behind the wheel in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire last year.

Of those, 232 were aged between 20 and 30, while 312 were male offenders.

Chief Inspector Jon Roche, head of road policing for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, said: “Using a handheld device while driving means taking your concentration and your eyes off the road. That’s incredibly dangerous and puts you and other road users at significant risk.

“Our message is don’t do it. Wait until you reach your destination or make sure you park safely first.”

People who have passed their driving test within the past two years and are caught using their phone will automatically be disqualified from driving and need a re-test with the DVLA. The penalties for using a mobile phone while driving can be higher if a case goes to court.