POLICE in Teignbridge and the rest of Devon have announced a regional blitz on motorists who illegally chat on their mobiles while driving.

They are warning drivers to keep their eyes on the road and not on their phones when on the road.

Fines and points on driving licences are expected to double next year as efforts are made to stamp out the growing abuse which has been linked to some fatal road smashes.

Senior police, launching their operation this week to catch offenders, say using a mobile when behind the wheel is as dangerous as drinking and driving.

The local initiative has been fuelled by statistics which show more people are driving and being distracted by their mobiles.

Figures from the RAC show that the number of motorists who commit the crime are continually creeping up.

Out of 1,714 motorists surveyed, just over 30 per cent admitted using a handheld phone at the wheel. Two years ago the figure was only eight per cent.

Those who sent a message or posted on social media rose from seven to 19 per cent, while 14 per cent confessed to taking a photo or video while driving.

Department for Transport figures from 2014 show that drivers impaired or distracted by phones were a contributory factor in 492 accidents in the UK, including 21 which were fatal and 84 serious.

Roads Policing Inspector Pete Thomas said: ‘Driving is difficult enough without adding other distractions. When behind the wheel, forget about who may be texting you, or what your friends may be putting on Facebook. 

‘Focus concentration and attention on driving to keep you safe, your friends and family safe and other people on the road safe.’

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez added: ‘Using your phone whilst driving is dangerous – to you and to others. The evidence is clear and the message is simple… don’t do it.’

This week police will be stopping anyone they find using their mobiles whilst driving. 

‘We will be explaining to them the dangers of this and prosecuting where appropriate,’ a spokesman said.