MORE than 1,700 motorists have been caught speeding, using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts during the first three months of 2008, it emerged today.

MORE than 1,700 motorists have been caught speeding, using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts during the first three months of 2008, it emerged today.

The shocking figures were revealed by Suffolk police, which urged drivers to obey the laws of the road.

Chief inspector Martin Barnes-Smith, from Suffolk's Roads Policing Unit, said: “We will continue to crackdown on these offences in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions on the county's roads.

“By not wearing a seatbelt, by speeding or by using your mobile phone, you are putting yourself and others at serious risk of injury or even death.

“There are still far too many people taking this risk and I would appeal to them to think about their actions.”

In January, 241 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for speeding, 121 motorists or passengers were caught not wearing a seatbelt and 126 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for using a mobile phone while driving.

In February, 200 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for speeding, 410 people were caught not wearing a seatbelt, and 156 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for using a mobile phone.

The latest figures for March, show that 234 motorists were fined for speeding, 158 people were caught not wearing a seatbelt, and 139 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for using a mobile phone.

For more information log on to www.suffolkroadsafe.net