Leeds police catch seven drivers using mobile phones during a traffic operation in Guiseley, Yeadon and Rawdon

Officers from the Leeds North West neighbourhood policing team (NPT) patrolled streets in Guiseley, Yeadon and Rawdon on Tuesday, looking out for Fatal Four offences – speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while distracted and not wearing seat-belts.

In a short period of time, they issued seven tickets for using a mobile phone while driving. Another driver was handed a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.

In a statement issued on Facebook, the Leeds North West NPT said: “Research shows: You are 4 times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone. Your reaction times are 2 times slower if you text and drive using a hands-free phone than if you drink drive, and this increases to three times if you use a handheld phone.

“Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash. At 30 mph a car travels 100 feet in 2.3 seconds.”