POLICE are launching a month-long crackdown on people who use their mobile phone while driving.

Throughout January, road policing officers will be targeting people flouting the law.

Since it was made illegal in 2006, Lancashire Police have issued between 500 and 600 fixed penalty notices a month to people using a mobile phone while driving.

But they say there is still a problem with people flouting the law.

Officers will also be warning pedestrians to take extra care on the roads, especially if they are using mobile phones, iPods and MP3 players.

Road policing Inspector Martin Bishop said: “The consequences of driving while using a mobile phone can be catastrophic.

"It diverts attention away from the road and increases the chances of being involved in a road traffic collision.

“We are determined to reduce the number of people who are killed and seriously injured on our roads.

"We take action against those who use mobile phones whilst driving throughout the year but the concentrated activity taking place this month sets out to let motorists know that this behaviour will simply not be tolerated."

People caught driving while using their mobile phone will be given a fixed penalty notice and three points on their licence.

Those who cause a crash while on the phone face a criminal investigation and being put through the courts, police said.