MORE than 100 Dorset drivers were caught committing offences in the first two days of a road safety operation.

Police stopped 20 for using a mobile phone while driving, 61 for not wearing a seat belt, and five for speeding.

A further five were found to be driving with no insurance and 16 without a valid MOT.

Officers were involved in the latest phase of Operation Vortex, a regional initiative to promote road safety and to tackle motorists who flout road traffic laws.

The operation was first carried out in August when 134 fixed penalty notices were issued in just three days. The latest phase saw 106 offences spotted on October 19 and 20 and more dates are planned in the coming weeks.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to making the roads safer, we are once again targeting those motorists who drive carelessly and are a danger on our roads,” said Inspector John Mallace of the Dorset Police Traffic Unit.

“This includes, but is not limited to, targeting drivers who use a mobile phone while driving, drive at inappropriate speeds, are not in proper control of their vehicle or other dangerous and intimidating behaviour, like driving too closely to the vehicle in front.”

He said nearly all road traffic collisions are caused by driver error and stressed 100 per cent concentration is needed to be safe.

“We are working really hard to reduce the number of collisions in Dorset but we need the support of all motorists to help reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads,” he added.