YouTube viewers among drivers caught by police

Two drivers watching YouTube videos and another applying makeup were among dozens of people stopped by police during a five-day operation.

Norfolk Police made three arrests and recorded 137 offences in the first week of March on the A47 and the A11.

A HGV driver was also caught filming police officers on his mobile phone during the operation, the force said.

Sgt Ade Hales, of the joint roads and armed policing team, said: "It is totally unacceptable to watch a TV programme, film or music video whilst driving on a road, especially in these cases, which were on a dual carriageway."

Named Operation Tramline, the force used a HGV tractor unit to carry out patrols, with a focus on offences committed by lorry drivers.

The vehicle provided an "ideal vantage point", allowing officers to identify drivers failing to wear seatbelts or using mobile phones at the wheel.

Seventeen HGV and car drivers were found without insurance, the police said.

The force also issued 96 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) - and 20 drivers were given words of advice.

Sgt Hales said motorists must give their full concentration to driving, not interacting with devices.

"Any interaction with an mobile phone, including the recording of other road users, will result in prosecution, and could receive a £200 fine and six points on your driving licence," he said.

"There is a growing popularity of Facetime, WhatsApp and Snapchat video calls, with YouTube streaming live and recorded content which poses a significant risk and danger to other road users.

"Not only are you taking your own life into your own hands, but that of others as well."

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