Norfolk police have revealed their unusual new tactics to catch motorists on their phones... by sending officers on the bus to spot them.

The force has launched a new campaign which will see uniformed officers riding on First buses across the county looking out for drivers on their mobiles.

Senior police believe the vehicles will provide an elevated vantage point from which to see into cars and catch unsuspecting motorists.

Officers riding the buses are equipped with video devices to record evidence and will be able to radio their colleagues nearby who can then pull over any drivers they catch on their handsets.Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Police have teamed up with the First Bus companyNorfolk Police have teamed up with the First Bus company (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Police say offending motorists will receive what they describe as "educational input" - although they may also face a fine of up to £1,000 and six points on their license.

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The operation ran for the first time last Monday and saw 59 offences detected on the day.

This included 39 people on their phone and 11 people not wearing seatbelts.

One driver was caught using her mobile phone just weeks after passing her driving test. She will now have to re-sit both her theory and practical driving tests before being allowed to drive again.

Another driver who already had 12 points will now face losing their license completely. 

Changes to the law in 2022 expanded the meaning of ‘using’ a mobile phone, making it illegal to do things such as illuminating the screen, checking the time or unlocking a device.

Piers Marlow, from First Bus, said: “The safety of our customers and people is always our number one priority, so we were more than happy to get involved and assist Norfolk police with an operation to make the roads safer for everyone.”

Eastern Daily Press: Police will use the buses as a vantage pointPolice will use the buses as a vantage point (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Sergeant Adrian Hales, from Norfolk Constabulary, said: “Our focus will be mobile phone use, including whilst stationary or in slow-moving traffic.

"When you are engaged in a phone call, your hazard perception decreases as does your situational awareness."