HAMPSHIRE police caught nearly 16,000 drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

The figures were released today as officers launch a region-wide campaign to crack down on those putting lives at risk by taking a call on the road.

This week’s scheme, run in partnership with the Thames Valley and the Isle of Wight forces as part of a joint operation targetting those breaking the law.

In total 15,952 drivers were caught using handheld phones and other electronic devices across the three counties between March 31 and April 1 last year.

The majority of offenders were men (12,280), while a third, (5,280) were pulled over in Hampshire compared to 10,672 in the Thames Valley.

Younger drivers, aged 26 to 37, were the most prevalent offenders with 5,521 being caught across the two forces.

By law it is illegal hold hand-held phones while driving, queuing in traffic, stopping at traffic lights or while supervising learners.

Those using hands-free phones, sat navs and two-way radios may be stopped and penalised if police feel they are distracted and not in control of their vehicles.

Punishments result in an automatic fixed penalty of three points on drivers’ licenses and a £100 fine.

Motorists can also be disqualified from getting behind the wheel and fined up to £1,000 if a case goes to court.

Drivers of buses or goods vehicles face stiffer penalties of up to £2,500.

Alternatives include paying £85 to attend a Driver Diversion Course run by AA DriveTech.

The scheme includes imposing fines to those caught and launching an education programme warning people of the dangers.

Sergeant Rob Heard, said: “Using a mobile phone whilst driving is extremely dangerous. You are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone whilst driving. The reaction times for drivers is around 50 per cent slower than normal when using a phone.

“My advice is to turn off your phone or put it on silent. Keep your phone out of reach to avoid the temptation of looking at texts or making a call, it's not worth the risk."

Motorists can call 999 in an emergency while on the road but only if it is unsafe and unpractical to stop.