NEARLY 350 drivers were caught flouting the law during a Bournemouth crackdown on careless and reckless drivers, new statistics have revealed.

Dorset Road Safe’s latest Surround a Town operation on Tuesday resulted in 70 tickets being issued for seat belt offences with 54 motorists opting for a free safety course at Bournemouth’s Streetwise centre rather than a fine or points on their licence.

Nineteen drivers were caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel while 28 drivers were captured on camera speeding.

Six had no MOT certificate, two were driving without insurance and one had no licence.

Two drivers were not in proper control of their vehicles, one was caught overtaking on a pelican crossing and one was spotted going through a red light.

Fourteen police officers on patrol in marked and unmarked cars and motorbikes issued 132 tickets while 209 speedsters were caught by safety van cameras.

The A338 Spur Road, A3060, A3049 and B3157 were all targeted during the one-day operation which will pave the way for similar initiatives in Shaftesbury, Poole and Weymouth.

Dorset police head of traffic Chief Inspector Bob Nichols told the Daily Echo that the operation had been staged to target what he described as “the fatal four;” distraction, speed, failure to wear seat belts and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He added: “Drivers who use their mobile phones while behind the wheel are just as dangerous as drink-drivers.

“Attending the scene of a fatal accident or knocking on someone’s door to tell them they have lost a loved one is a harrowing and unforgettable experience.”