A week-long campaign targeting motorists using mobile phones has resulted in more than 60 drivers being slapped with penalty notices.

Operation Ringtone was carried out by Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing unit between July 10 and 16, and featured patrols in both marked and unmarked cars and motorcycles, all fitted with cameras, obtaining evidence for prosecution.

The campaign resulted in officers issuing 62 penalty notices to those caught.

Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, head of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing & Firearms Operations Unit, said: “We are doing everything within our power to stop offenders and hopefully prevent serious or fatal collisions.

“However, with the help of the public, submitting footage and supporting our investigations, we will be able to hold more lawbreakers to account.

“My hope is that having extra eyes on the road will help prevent offences and make people think twice about touching their mobile device.

“No text or call is that important it’s worth risking your licence for, or worst causing injury or death.”

The offence is one of the ‘fatal four’ police have identified as making accidents and serious collisions more likely, alongside drink and drug driving, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt.

As part of the drive, officers have collected dash cam footage from motorists, while educational measures such as speaking to teenagers in schools is also a part of the scheme.

As part of this, police are working alongside Think! Suffolk Road Safety Partnership.

Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore said: “Time and time again we see drivers using their phones on the move so I was fully behind the constabulary’s Operation Ringtone campaign to increase enforcement on our county’s roads.

“Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives.

“It absolutely horrifies me when I see drivers on their phones and sadly we see it all too often.

“I hope that the new penalties that drivers face for using their mobile phone, and the fact that members of the public are submitting footage, will finally make those who continue to flaunt the law take note.”