MOTORISTS using mobile phones have been stopped and fined as part of a special police operation to encourage safer driving.

Police community support officers and special constables in Burnley teamed up to run the joint operation.

As well as stopping motorists using mobile phones they also spoke to drivers and passengers without seatbelts, issuing fines where necessary.

Special constable Matt Duckworth said: "We initially aimed to target motorists who drove whilst using a mobile phone as this presented the biggest risk to pedestrians and other road users.

"But we were also looking at drivers, passengers and children who weren't wearing seat belts".

The operation will be repeated.