Drivers copped on their mobiles

Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing

More than 40 drivers have been caught and fined in a matter of hours for using mobile phones behind the wheel as part of a crackdown.

Greater Manchester Police patrols were out in force to tackle the offence that carries a £100 fine and three licence penalty points.

Officers were on Bury New Road in Manchester on Tuesday morning and caught 18 drivers in just five hours.

Patrols also gave out 23 fines and points to drivers on St Helens Road, Bolton on Monday, again over a five-hour period.

The campaign comes ahead of soon-to-be-introduced tougher penalties which will see drivers face a £200 fine and six points on their licence.

As part of the roadside checks in Manchester a truck carrying milk was fined £600 for carrying too much and was 1.7 tonnes overweight.

A taxi was also fined £200 and given six penalty points for having two bald tyres and ten motorists were slapped with £60 tickets for not wearing seatbelts.