MOTORISTS are finding that talk isn't cheap.
In the last two weeks of May, police across Greater Manchester issued 553 fixed penalty fines of £30 in a new crackdown on drivers who use their mobiles while driving.
The figure represents an increase of more than 600 per cent compared to the last two weeks in April, when 78 motorists were caught using their phones.
Research shows that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident using a mobile phone while driving.
Hands-free calls are also distracting and drivers are being warned that they risk prosecution for additional offences of careless or dangerous driving or failing to have proper control of their vehicle.
Greater Manchester Police road safety officer, Inspector Brian Wood, said: "When the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone came into force, most drivers heeded the warning.
"This operation was targeted at those drivers who failed to take note of the message and put other people in danger as a result. We will carry on the enforcement to make roads in Greater Manchester safer."
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