Police catch 23 drivers on phones in just eight hours

Queenstown police says a single officer sitting in a visible and marked car issued 23 infringements for mobile phone use in less than eight hours. The officer was parked on Gorge Rd, near central Queenstown, road policing manager Senior Sergeant Sarah Thorn said. The fact the car was visible highlighted the level of distraction, she said. The officer also issued four infringements for not wearing seatbelts, and two for excess speed. ‘‘It’s disappointing to see that drivers still aren’t getting the message about distracted driving,’’ Thorn said. In 2020, distraction was a factor in 23 deaths and 125 serious injuries on the region’s roads. ‘‘Using a mobile phone that is not hands-free means you are not paying attention. You’re placing yourself, anyone else in your vehicle and all other road users at risk.’’