Shaving, brushing teeth and using iPads: Distracted motorists caught on camera

Five-day operation across the motorways of Hampshire and the Thames Valley resulted in 198 motorists being prosecuted

Video footage of motorists distracted whilst driving, such as a driver caught having a shave using a razor and a water bottle have been released by police.

The motorists were spotted during Operation Tramline last month on the M27, M3, A34, M4 and M40, with the vast majority caught using a mobile phone.

The five-day operation across the motorways of Hampshire and the Thames Valley resulted in the successful prosecutions of 198 motorists, who has their offences caught on camera by an unmarked lorry used as a viewing platform by officers.

Other activities captured on camera included a lorry driver brushing his teeth, two van drivers reading newspapers as they drove and two motorists using iPads, with one resting the device on the steering wheel as they drove.

Two tractors, a taxi and 38 vans were stopped by police for using mobile phones whilst driving.

All drivers were issued with £100 fines and three points on their licence.

Sergeant Paul Dimond said: "Distracted driving is proven to be a significant factor in many of the collisions on our roads.

"The vast majority were holding phones in their lap and accessing applications or texting with their hands held low - this is incredibly dangerous both for the motorist and for other road users.

"Driving distracted is one of the 'fatal four' causes of road deaths and collisions in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Through innovative use of equipment and technology available to us, we will continue to crack down on this and will repeat Operation Tramline again in the future."