BRIERLEY Hill motorists who use their mobile phones behind the wheel are being targeted by police in a bid to reduce accidents.

An operation has been set up which will run throughout the summer, specifically to target offenders in the Brierley Hill and Merry Hill area Officers are increasing their high-visibility patrols to deter the use of mobile phones while driving and to issue fixed penalty notices to those who deliberately flout the law.

Drivers who are caught using their mobile phone can also incur a £60 fine and three penalty points for using their phones in stationary traffic and on car parks if their engine is running.

PC Robert Dalton, from the Merry Hill neighbourhood policing team, said: “We intend to enforce this legislation robustly in response to concerns around the safety of the public on the roads and in car parks.”

“Motorists are advised to always use a hands free kit with their mobile phone if they have to use it while driving,” he added.