Police target mobile phones

Drivers caught using their mobile phone while driving face losing their licence as police plan a crackdown on phone use this Easter long weekend.

Distracted drivers will face the wrath of Great Southern traffic police as part of Operation Crossroads, with officers strengthening their presence on local roads.

Great Southern traffic sergeant Peter May said police wanted all motorists to take ownership of road safety and not be selfish in their attitude.

“We are not out to destroy anyone’s weekend or be the ‘fun police’, that’s not our goal,” he said.

“Our goal is for everyone to get to where they need to be safely. Road safety begins with every person on the road.”

Sgt May said every available officer would be on the roads, with Perth Traffic Enforcement Group officers, the motorbike police and the drug and breath bus involved in the local Easter road campaign.

Last year, 721 motorists were caught speeding in the Great Southern, with police handing out 21 infringements in a 90-minute period on Easter Monday on Albany Highway.

As part of their high-visibility campaign, 5084 drivers were stopped for random breath tests with four exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit.

Sgt May said using a mobile to talk or text would now attract a six-point penalty under a double demerit campaign.

“You can’t concentrate on what you’re doing when you are playing with your phone,” he said.

“Any use of a mobile whilst driving will attract an infringement.”

Double demerit point offences include speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, drink-driving, driving with illicit drugs in your system and using a mobile phone while driving.

Double demerit points apply from midnight today until midnight on Monday, and again on April 24-27 on the Anzac weekend.