GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) are attempting to drive the message home to Trafford motorists that using a mobile phone behind the wheel may turn out to be a costly risk.
Using a mobile phone whilst in command of a vehicle is illegal and will involve a £30 fixed penalty notice, which can increase to £1,000 and £2,500 for coach, lorry or bus drivers.
GMP's chief inspector Haydn Roberts warned: "The offence of using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving is still being committed by too many motorists.
"My message to those drivers is simple - we are out to put a stop to this offence, so beware!"
The cost of using a phone in the car is not simply financial. Research confirms that driving and talking can make someone four times more likely to have an accident. In the Greater Manchester area, 11,527 motorists were prosecuted between April 2005 and February 2006 for using their phone whilst driving.
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