Industry News from Yes Insurance

The number of motorists in the north-east who have picked up fines for using mobile phones behind the wheel has been revealed.

According to the Peterlee Mail, close to 300 drivers in Hartlepool and east Durham were caught out in the last year.

It added that between April 2007 and March 2008, some 1,136 County Durham drivers were found using the devices behind the wheel.

Those who are found guilty of the crime may find that they pickup increased car insurance policies, as cover firms could judge them to be a risk and put up costs.

"I would urge anyone with a mobile phone to switch it off when they drive or invest in a hands-free option ... Cleveland Police will continue to prosecute all drivers caught committing this offence," commented acting inspector Gary Hatton from Cleveland Police.

Last year, the Department for Transport introduced new laws resulting in a £60 fine and three-point licence penalty for people found using mobile phones behind the wheel.

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