MORE than 3,000 drivers have been stopped by Thames Valley Police for talking on their mobile phones in nine months.
The force caught 3,281 people since tougher penalties came in for drivers using their mobiles 12 months ago.
These are now endorsable offences, carrying three penalty points and a fine of £60.
Prior to the increase the penalty was a £30 fine.
But of these only 2,567 elected to go on a course which would let them avoid points.
The figures date from April to December last year.
Malcolm Collis from Thames Valley Police said: "Talking on a mobile phone when driving causes a distraction and affects people's ability to react to dangerous situations.
"It is for this reason that the tougher penalties were introduced last year.
"Clearly some people are still needlessly risking both theirs and other people's lives for the sake of one phone call.
"We hold regular road safety checks across the force area, so I would encourage drivers to change their ways or face tough action from us."
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