By ALESHA CAPONE
BRIMBANK police have appealed for drivers to be careful while using mobile phones in a moving vehicle.
The Brimbank Highway Patrol recently conducted Operations Hands Free, between Wednesday 26 and Friday 28 June, in suburbs including St Albans, Sunshine West and Taylors Lakes.
Acting Sergeant Adam Wojick said across the three days, police detected 110 drivers breaking the law.
More than 55 people were caught out using their mobile phones illegally while driving.
Police also charged 22 motorists not wearing a seatbelt, four suspended drivers and nine unregistered vehicles.
Acting Sgt Wojick said last month was the sixth time in recent years when the Highway Patrol Unit conducted Operations Hands Free.
He said police continue to be concerned about the number of drivers using their mobile phones while on the road.
“I would say it’s disappointing due to the high amount of publicity and rules about not using a mobile phone, which have been around for a long time,” Acting Sgt Wojick said.
“It is still disappointing that with all this publicity, people continue to use a phone when driving.
“It is a concern to us because they are a serious safety risk and a major contributor to road trauma.”
Acting Sgt Wojick said although the law permitted drivers to use Bluetooth and hands-free technology to talk on the phone while driving, some road users continued to flout the laws.
“You can’t touch or use a mobile phone while you are driving or in charge of a motor vehicle,” Acting Sgt Wojick said.
“You also cannot use it as a GPS unless it is in a properly-fitted cradle.”
