WA News for us folks
MOTORISTS using their mobile phones while driving will be targeted by unmarked police motorcycles ridden by officers sporting helmet-cams to record them in the act
WA Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan announced the new plan today describing it as a "new weapon in the police arsenal" to target drivers who flout road rules.
A trial run of the undercover bike operation has already started will form part of this year's police road safety campaign over the festive season dubbed "Operation Crossroads".
Mr O'Callaghan said the unmarked motorcycles will also target "priority offences" associated with fatal and serious injuries, like failing to wear seat belts and distracted and impaired driving.
Officers on the bikes will spot the offence happening and will then notify a marked police car or bike who will then intercept the offending vehicle and issue the appropriate penalty.
Police figures released to PerthNow earlier this year show about 300 WA drivers a month are pinned for using their mobiles while behind the wheel.
Between September 2010 and March 2013, 35,808 infringements were issued for mobile phone offences.
"We are appealing to the public of Western Australia to please drive safely this Christmas, obey the road rules, think about your drinking, when you go out enjoy yourself but think about how you're going to get home," Mr O'Callaghan said today, adding the use of mobile phones behind the wheel was at an "epidemic level."
"I think it's one of the most arrogant things a driver can do and we are going to do something about it," he said.
"Distracted driving, especially the use of mobile devices, is one of the main causes of road crashes and the offence is particularly difficult for police in marked vehicles to detect.
"But these guys (on the undercover bikes) will be out and looking…and I can tell you now they will show no mercy.
"We will have them on the road as much as possible."
Double demerits come in force from midnight tonight and will be in effect until Januray 5.
