More than 200 drivers were caught using their phones behind the wheel as part of a week-long crackdown by Hampshire police.

A total of 204 drivers were stopped by Roads Policing Officers from the Joint Operations Unit last week as part of a nationwide initiative to make roads safer.

Drivers who were stopped by officers include a van driver on the M27, near Rownhams, who was stopped for the third time in as many weeks for using his phone behind the wheel. The man received a fixed-penalty notice.

Another van driver was caught using his phone behind the wheel to check if a court fine had gone through for previously using his phone behind the wheel.

Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said: “It is disappointing that still so many people are still taking that risk to use their phones whilst driving.

“Many lives are being put at risk by the selfish actions of these people and it is not acceptable “Please turn your phone off and put it out of reach so you won't be tempted.

“That moment of inattention really is the difference between life and death – it is not worth the risk.”

Of the 204 drivers stopped, 180 were handed fixed-penalty notices; 166 were male; 132 were driving cars and 61 were driving vans.

Another 17 drivers were stopped last week for being distracted while driving.