MOTORISTS who put lives in danger by talking on their mobile phone while driving are being targeted by an education and enforcement campaign this week.

From Monday through to Sunday high-visibility and unmarked Cumbria police cars will be patrolling roads throughout the county to catch drivers creating a hazard for themselves and other drivers.

Findings by the Transport Research Laboratory revealed that reactions of motorists using hand-held mobile phones are 50 per cent slower than the average driver and 30 per cent slower than drivers who have exceeded the drink-drive limit.

Insp Nick Coughlan said mobile phone use was a continuing problem and that most of the motorists stopped were travelling as part of their occupation.

"Employers who might otherwise go to great lengths to ensure the health and safety of their staff in the workplace should apply the same thought to their employees when they are out on the road," he said. "They need to be aware that they are breaking the law if they require employees to make or receive calls while driving."

Since the introduction of the legislation banning the use of a hand-held phone while driving 502 drivers have been reported. The penalties for motorists breaking this law ranges from a £30 fine to an appearance in court.