Motorists in Herts, Cambs and Beds are being asked where they keep their mobile phones while driving as part of a week-long campaign.

The campaign asking drivers “where do you keep yours?” is running alongside an enforcement campaign starting today targeting those committing mobile phone related driving offences.

Statistics show that across these three counties, men aged 21 to 50 are most likely to use their phone at the wheel with those aged 31 to 40 committing the most offences.

In total, men have been responsible for 768 mobile phone-related offences so far this year with women responsible for 155.

Overall, the number of mobile phone-related driving offences has reduced over the past three years from 2,413 in 2014 to 1,009 in 2016.

The consequences of using a mobile phone at the wheel can be fatal and the penalty for using a mobile phone at the wheel increased in March with motorists flouting the law now set to receive six points on their licence and a fine of up to £200.

Chief Insp Andy Piper – of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit – said: “While it excellent news that motorists in the three counties are taking on board warnings about the dangers of using their mobile phone at the wheel we want to make sure everyone realises the dangers of being distracted while driving.

“The best way drivers can ensure they are not distracted by their phones is to turn them on to silent or ‘do not disturb’ mode and to keep them out of sight.

“I look forward to hearing some of the innovative ways people have come up with to avoid being distracted by their phones while driving.”