NEARLY 200 drivers have been caught flouting the law as part of a police safety sting.

The campaign cracked down on those putting lives at risk by taking a call on the road.

Hampshire police today revealed that 178 drivers were ticketed in last week's operation, run in partnership with Thames Valley and Isle of Wight police.

Last Friday a Daily Echo survey caught one driver every four minutes illegally using their phones behind the wheel.

Most were too engrossed to notice they had been snapped flouting the law - despite the heavily publicised police campaign.

Thirty-two were seen in two hours, with most making no attempt to conceal their handset.

The motorists were caught on the A33 westbound Redbridge Road slip-road onto the Redbridge Roundabout.

The junction approaches a pelican crossing and a major interchange to the M271 heavily used by container lorries.

In response to the number of motorists caught by the Daily Echo, Sgt Rob Heard, of Hampshire police, said: “It is disappointing that so many people are not understanding the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, especially in areas where there are a multiple number of hazards that drivers need to concentrate on.

“I would urge everyone to turn off their phones when driving, or put them on silent and out of reach to avoid the temptation. No call or text is worth causing injury or death, it's not worth the risk.”

The campaign comes after 5,280 motorists were caught using handheld phones or other electronic devices on Hampshire roads between March 31 and April 1 last year.