NEW technology could allow Isle of Wight police to detect when people are using their phones while driving.

Hampshire Constabulary will be the first unit in the country to utilise new technology to help crackdown on the amount of people using their mobile phone while driving.

Working with technology company Westcotec, the Joint Operations Unit will be using a new piece of technology that can detect if people are using their phones on a particular stretch of road.

When someone is found to be using their phone, the device will flash a mobile phone symbol at the car, advising them to stop.

The technology can detect when bluetooth is being used, but cannot detect if a passenger is using the phone.

The system will be trialled across Hampshire next week.

Motorists found using their phone will be stopped and could be given six points and a £200 fine.

If taken to court, drivers could get a fine of £1,000 and be disqualified from driving.

PC Liz Johnson, a road safety officer for the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: "Research shows us that you are four times more likely to crash if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, reaction times are around 50 per cent slower than a driver not using a mobile phone.

"It is also apparent that you are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal collision when texting compared with drink driving."

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