Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a campaign to stop motorists from accessing social media sites on their mobiles whilst driving.

The campaign, titled “Operation Vortex,” follows research from the RAC which suggests that one in five motorists in the region have admitted to checking their social media alerts while driving.

The operation will seek to put an end to what police are describing as “complacent and arrogant behaviour”, with the campaign also seeking to target those not wearing seatbelts, speeding and drink driving.
 "We want the motoring public to know that in spite of the cuts being made, we are not going to ease up when it comes to keeping people safe on the roads," said Inspector Richard Pryce, from the roads policing unit.
 "Those who drive responsibly and do not flout the law have nothing to fear."
 The campaign will see the police target main roads using unmarked vehicles. 
 Despite being banned in 2003, the RAC reports that motorists using mobile phones behind the wheel are still a common sight on the UK’s roads.
 “The availability of information is sometimes too tempting to drivers, and many are picking up the phone and updating their site,” said Pryce.
 “This can lead to careless and even dangerous driving that can have catastrophic consequences," he added.