BOLTON Police chiefs hope to put the brake on a road death threat by pulling the plug on motorists using mobile phones.

Drivers spotted using their phones while driving are now quickly finding themselves "engaged" in talks . . . with the police.

Motorists spotted using 'mobiles' as they drive along this week are being stopped by police and issued with £20 fixed penalty tickets. In more serious cases drivers will be summoned for dangerous or careless driving which carries far more severe penalties and possible disqualification.

It is part of a nationwide crackdown on the use of mobile phones by motorists.

The move has been prompted by an alarming increase in the number of accidents on Britain's roads caused by drivers being distracted by their phones.

Sgt Barry Fairclough, of the Bolton Police traffic unit, urged Bolton's motorists not to make a call, or answer the phone, while driving.

"Nationally there has been an increase in the number of accidents linked to the use of mobile phones and in Bolton we are certainly concerned about the numbers of drivers now using them.

"Our advice to drivers is that before they use the phone or answer a call they must stop in a sensible place before carrying on with their business."

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