14 Plymouth drivers caught using phones behind the wheel in six-hour crackdown

Using a mobile behind the wheel is defined as one of the 'Fatal Five' driving behaviours. Credit: PA images

Fourteen drivers have been caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel in a six-hour crackdown on dangerous driving in Plymouth.

Disguised police officers went on a double decker bus through the city on Thursday 25 April to spot drivers using their phones while driving.

A total of 14 people were caught in the six-hour operation.

They'll now be fined £200 and receive six penalty points on their licence.

14 drivers will now be fined and receive six points on their licences. Credit: ITV West Country

One driver also had their car seized for having no insurance and one was tested positive for cannabis use.

Around 100 speeding offences were detected by camera vans.

The operation by Devon and Cornwall Police is supporting the National Police Chiefs Council's (NPCC) national crackdown on drivers who use their phones while driving.

Officers are looking to catch drivers who show the 'Fatal Five' driving behaviours:

  • Use of mobile phones behind the wheel

  • Excessive or inappropriate speed

  • Driving without a seatbelt

  • Distracted driving

  • Driving while unfit through drink or drugs

The officers were stationed on a double decker bus in Plymouth. Credit: ITV West Country

MPC Ralph Delbridge from the Devon and Cornwall Police No Excuse team, said: "We have gone beyond people holding a phone up to their ear to people actually thinking they can control their vehicle while using apps."