PLANS to clamp down on drivers using mobile phones at the wheel or failing to wear a seat-belt have been welcomed.

Police said this week that mobile speed camera operators can now detect other crimes as well, including drivers chatting on their phones.

Blackburn councillor Jim Smith welcomed the move.

He said: “It can only be a good thing.

“You see far too many people using mobile phones at the wheel not realising just how dangerous it is.

“If you need to use a phone you need to use a phone which is hands free.”

Cllr Marcus Johnstone, who represents Burnley West and Padiham, said: “I think we all notice more and more people using smartphones while driving.

“Hopefully this will act as a deterrent .”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Jacques said: “Sadly we see too many drivers illegally using their mobile phones for calls or even worse texting when they are driving.

“This is threatening and costing lives.

“All the relevant agencies across Lancashire want to address this and the road safety partnership is using its resources to do so.

“Our aim is to change the behaviour of those who illegally use a phone or don’t wear a seat belt.

“From January 1 to the end of June, 22 people were killed on Lancashire’s roads, 377 were seriously injured and over 2,000 people received less serious injuries.

“We want to make our roads safer by working together.”

Lancashire county council’s John Fillis, added: “There has been an enormous growth in technologies which can provide a potential distraction to drivers, and there appears to be an increasing problem with those who think it’s acceptable to put other priorities ahead of their and other people’s safety.

“We’re continuing to work hard to make Lancashire’s roads safer, but we also rely on drivers playing their part by behaving responsibly, whether that’s by wearing a seat-belt or by not allowing themselves to become distracted.”