Police catch 23 people using phone while driving on Hume Freeway

Benalla Highway Patrol officers were busy yesterday morning targeting dangerous driving behaviour on the Hume Freeway as part of Operation Hands Free.

Officers issued 23 penalty notices for hand-held mobile phone use while driving between the hours of 7.30am and 1pm.

In total, one person was caught every 12 minutes, giving up $496 and four demerit points for checking a text.

Six of those caught were drivers of heavy vehicles.

Acting Sergeant Owen Clarke said people admitted to talking, texting and even checking emails while driving on the 110km/h freeway.

“Yesterday showed a timely reminder that road users must drive more responsibly, everyone plays a part in keeping our roads safe,” Act. Sgt Clarke said.

Police also arrested a 23-year-old Mansfield man after he was detected allegedly travelling 68km/h over the legal speed limit.

He has been disqualified from driving until 2022, had his car impounded at a cost of $1625 and is expected to be charged with several traffic and criminal offences.

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