Driver distractions have been identified as a major cause of road traffic collisions and Greater Manchester Police are initiating a campaign, using enforcement cars and CCTV cameras, to deal with the problem.

During the last two years Greater Manchester has seen 406 collisions which could be attributed to drivers being distracted and in 51 of these incidences the use of a mobile phone was records on the accident report as being a significant factor. Twenty five people have been killed or seriously injured and it is feared that the problem may be much greater than the statistics suggest; driver distraction is not always admitted to by drivers or identified by police at the scene.

The enforcement cars are fitted with a high quality camera on an extendable mast. The objective of increasing enforcement through use of these high profile vehicles is to increase driver awareness, act as a deterrent and improve public safety.

Every offender will be offered the opportunity to accept a conditional offer - currently a £60 fine and 3 points on their licence for a mobile phone offence or £60 fine for failing to wear a seatbelt - as opposed to dealing with the matter through the Magistrates Court. Failure to accept the offer would result in the matter being dealt with summarily.