DRIVERS using their mobile phone and not wearing a seat belt in Oxford were targeted by police.

Officers on Abingdon Road and Botley Road yesterday issued 16 tickets in three hours during morning rush hour.

Operation lead PC Shaun Nash said “With the schools going back and the increase in people heading back to work in the city, it is imperative those travelling on the roads are doing so in a safe and considerate manner."

He added the checks were about educating motorists on the dangers of not paying attention at the wheel.

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PC Nash said: "Those using mobile phones while driving and not wearing seatbelts put themselves, motorists and pedestrians at risk.

"Research shows that you are four times more likely to crash if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, reaction times are around 50 per cent slower than a driver not using a mobile phone.

"When it comes to seatbelts, you are twice as likely to die in a collision if you are not wearing a seat belt and, in the event of a collision, if unrestrained, you will hit the windscreen, or the seat in front of you at a force of 30 to 60 times your own body weight."