ANOTHER host of driving offences have been captured on camera by the Echo.

Motorists were seen eating, filling a vape and using a mobile phone while behind the wheel, sometimes without having a single hand on it, on two separate occasions in the past two weeks.

Last week the Echo reported on footage captured by a cyclist of an unrepentant driver he spotted using her mobile phone at the wheel.

Dorset Police has since confirmed it was sent the footage.

A spokesman said: "Dorset Police received a report at around 8.20pm on Monday, July 9, that someone had filmed a woman using their mobile phone while driving in the area of Ashley Cross in Poole.

"The matter was referred to the No Excuse team and for the incident to be considered and appropriate action to be taken.

"Dorset Police will treat third party evidence on an individual basis."

Force figures suggest that more than 500 people were arrested for using a mobile phone at the wheel between March and December last year.

March was when new legislation was introduced banning the practice.

Police Sergeant Mark Farrow, of the No Excuse team, said: “As an officer who deals with the often tragic aftermath when a driver is distracted at the wheel, I would like to make a personal plea to the driving public who think it’s OK to use a mobile phone while driving to seriously consider their actions.

“Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of other road users and, while you think you can get away with it, it is vital that drivers realise they could kill someone.

“We are urging drivers to take responsibility for their actions and leave their phone alone.”

It is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving. Motorists caught using their phones behind the wheel face six points on their licence and a £200 fine.

According to the RAC Report on Motoring 2017, 23 per cent of drivers admitted to using a handheld mobile at the wheel to make or take a call in the past 12 months, and 18 per cent admitted to checking texts, email or social media.

Research suggests drivers are four times as likely to be involved in a crash when using their phone.