A CAMPAIGN is being launched throughout Greater Manchester this month to ensure mobile phones don't become a menace on the roads.

And police chiefs are warning that drivers using such devices, and whose driving suffers as a result, could be facing a two-year prison sentence and a fine of anything up to £2,500.

Throughout January, officers will be tackling motorists seen using mobile phones while driving.

Copies of a special advisory leaflet, which has been published by the Department of Transport, the Environment and the Regions in tandem with the mobile phone industry, will be distributed to members of the public where appropriate.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who are launching the campaign, stress that it is not a specific offence to use a mobile phone while driving. But existing legislation has been used in the prosecution of motorists using hand-held mobile phones.

For failing to have proper control of the vehicle, drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for careless driving.

The more serious offence of dangerous driving can involve up to two years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a 12-month disqualification and obligatory extended re-test.

Inspector Geoff Minshull, GMP road safety officer, said: "Figures show that five million mobile phones were sold over Christmas.

"Although there are hands-free kits for cars, I would like all drivers to turn off their mobiles when they get into their cars and use their messaging service instead.

"If it's essential to use your phone then the hands-free kit is the better option, but I would advise minimal use. And it is essential that motorists park up before making a call."

Commenting on this month's campaign, Insp Minshull continued: "If we feel it's necessary on a particular circumstance to advise, we will do that."

However, he warned: "If a person is committing an offence, then we will prosecute them."