Police nab 1873 drivers on mobile phones in Hume in 2012

POLICE nabbed hundreds more motorists on mobile phones in Hume over the past financial year than in the previous 12 months.

Police caught 1873 drivers on mobile phones in Hume in 2012-13, compared with 1273 in 2011-12, Victoria Police statistics show.

More learner and P-plate drivers were caught using a handheld phone, with 34 offences recorded compared with 18 the previous year.

But Broadmeadows ­Senior-Sergeant Pixie Fuhrmeister said the higher number could also be the result of a heavier police focus.

'It's very difficult for us to say whether it's been an ­actual jump or not,' Sen-Sgt Fuhrmeister said.

'We've had a specific focus here on safety enforcement, which includes seatbelts, mobile phones and speeding, which are all the things that contribute to injuries and fatal accidents.

'Our figures also for injury collisions and fatal collisions have risen, and distraction is one of the major contributors to fatal collision.'

Sen-Sgt Fuhrmeister said while most people in the community had mobile phones and liked to stay connected, drivers needed to have their wits about them.

Victoria Police has been targeting driver distraction and seatbelt offences with Operation Break Up as part of the Summer Stay campaign.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said the Christmas period was when most vulnerable drivers, both young and old, were on the roads.

Police will focus on speeding and fatigued drivers over the next week.