POLICE caught and fined 130 motorists driving while using mobile phones in just one week.

And some of those stopped found themselves in even further trouble.

Four drivers were also not insured and their vehicles were immediately seized.

Another was arrested for driving while disqualified and a sixth motorist was detained on suspicion of drink- driving.

The clampdown was a joint scheme with Kirklees Council, but police say they are always on the lookout for people driving while using mobile phones.

They stress it is potentially highly dangerous and if the drivers cause a crash with devastating or fatal consequences they will face serious criminal charges.

Sgt Paul Denton, of Huddersfield traffic police, said: “Drivers will not be warned any more. They will be fined and have penalty points put on their licences.

“There is no excuse for using a mobile phone while driving. We have even caught lorry drivers using them while in control of very large vehicles.’’

All those caught and fined have had to pay a £60 fine and will have three penalty points put on their licences.

Sgt Denton said the cost of a hands-free kit was far less than this.

He added: “If people drive around using their mobile phones we will catch them sooner or later.’’.

And he warned people they could even lose their phones, especially if they claim they were not using them after being stopped.

“We have the power to seize the phones as evidence,’’ he said. “They could end up with no phone for a while.’’

The blitz was backed by a public awareness campaign. Publicity boards were displayed in public car parks across Kirklees reminding drivers not to use mobile phones while driving.

If the police decide the offence has aggravating factors and should be heard by magistrates – or the driver claims innocence and insists the case is taken to court – the fine for car drivers can go up to £1,000.

This increases to £2,500 for drivers of larger vehicles, such as vans, lorries and coaches.

Scientists at the Government’s Transport Research Laboratory say talking on a mobile phone while driving is more dangerous than being over the legal alcohol limit.

They say research has shown that drivers on mobiles had slower reaction and stopping times than those under the influence of alcohol.

Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Cabinet’s member for highways matters, said: "I have campaigned for many years for tough action on drivers who use non-hands-free mobile phones.

“This is a good example of a partnership between the police and Kirklees.’’