A crackdown on drivers using phones at the wheel was launched by Gwent Police last week.

In a joint effort, police forces across Wales have teamed up with Road Safety Wales to stamp out ‘distracted driving’ — the biggest cause of road deaths and injuries this year.

The campaign, which runs until November 20, will try and convince drivers that using a phone at the wheel is as dangerous as drunk-driving.

Officers will be stopping motorists they catch using a phone, whilst offenders can expect a £100 fine and three points on their licence.

The campaign has been launched in response to a national rise in motorists using phones to make calls, texts or social media updates when driving.

In Wales, more than 500 motorists were caught using their mobile phones during a similar campaign in 2015, with around 2,782 drivers caught for similar offences in Gwent in the last four years.

A total of 1,355 fixed penalty notices were issued in 2012, and the rate of offences has steadily declined since then.

But Gwent Police chief inspector Huw Jones was keen to stress that it only takes a second or a ‘slight lapse in concentration’ to result in serious consequences.

“Smart phones are a key part of modern life and we are also seeing drivers being distracted whilst checking social media, reading their emails or accessing the internet.

“Drivers need to be aware that these actions carry the same danger and the same penalty,” he said.

The chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, added, “Driving a vehicle requires us to multi-task so anything above and beyond that needs to wait until we are safely parked up or until our journey has finished.

“Campaigns such as this demonstrate the resolve of all the Road Safety Wales partners in tackling this issue and we will continue to work together to drive home the message of not using your mobile phone behind the wheel.

“No call or text is that important.”

The campaign warns that any phone usage behind the wheel is illegal — including while at a red light — and that drivers should stop at the ‘first safe opportunity’ to answer calls or texts and park safely while doing so.

Chief inspector Jones added, “A lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating and this is why officers from all four Welsh forces will be carrying out proactive patrols to target motorists who endanger road users in this way.

“Our main message is clear; keep your eyes on the road.”