Police recruiting drivers to spy on other road users in bid to clamp down on illegal mobile use
More than 20 drivers caught in just four hours in one town centre on first day of the campaign
DRIVERS are being encouraged to SPY on other motorists and dob them in for using mobile phones illegally.
Police will recruit the volunteers as they start a week-long crackdown on motorists using phones at the wheel.
Snitches would pass on the details of culprits to officers rather than confronting peers themselves meanwhile cops patrol in unmarked vehicles across Britain.
The first day of the campaign yesterday showed the extent of the problem – with 23 drivers being caught in one town centre within four hours.
One was caught twice in only 45 minutes, leaving them facing a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
RELATED STORIES
The spotter scheme has been masterminded by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
It comes after cops faced stinging criticism over a dramatic 86 per cent plummet in the number of fines handed out.
Last year only 16,900 were given to motorists caught on their mobiles in England and Wales – compared with 123,100 in 2011.
The RAC has blamed the decline in fines on the lack of dedicated road traffic officers.
It is not the first time cops have resorted to using civilians to help catch crooks.