FORTY-SEVEN drivers were stopped in Oxford today as part of a seatbelt and mobile phone check.

The check took place between 8am and 10am in Marsh Lane with officers from the roads safety team and road safety officers from Oxfordshire County Council targeting those not wearing a seatbelt or using their mobile phone.

Thirty-two drivers were issued £30 fixed penalty tickets but opted to take education from a road safety officer in exchange for the fine.

Fourteen drivers were stopped for driving while using their mobile phones. They were issued fixed penalty notices of £60, with three points on their licence. They can opt to pay £74 and attend a Call Divert workshop at a later date rather than accept the points. One driver also had his car seized and was issued with a £200 fine for driving while uninsured.

PC Mark Pilling, from Abingdon Road Policing Department, said: "It is disappointing that in just two hours on one stretch of road, 32 people were travelling without their seatbelt and 14 were using their mobile phones.

"Drivers know this is illegal and the purpose of these checks is to educate them on the fact these laws are there for a reason and do save lives."