MOTORISTS have discovered there is no such thing as free speech.

In one week at the beginning of the month, a total of 478 drivers across Greater Manchester were issued with £30 fixed penalty notices after being caught using their mobile phones while driving.

The crackdown took place as research from the Department for Transport showed that drivers were four times more likely to have an accident if they use a mobile phone while driving because of the adverse effect on concentration and anticipation.

Hands-free calls are also branded "distracting" and drivers are being reminded that they risk prosecution for additional offences of careless or dangerous driving or failing to have proper control of their vehicle.

Greater Manchester Police road safety officer, Inspector Brian Wood, said: "When the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone came into force last December, most drivers heeded the warning. This operation was targeted at those drivers who failed to take note of the message and put other people in danger."