Police have unveiled a new device which is capable of detecting when drivers are using their mobile phones.
The tool will enable officers to find out how many cars have phones being used without hands-free kits on a stretch of road.
A mobile phone symbol will be flashed at a vehicle when it spots a phone being used to warn the driver to stop it.
The device will also allow police to pinpoint hotspots where motorists are frequently using their mobile phone, the Manchester Evening News reports .
As yet , however, it will be unable to tell if it is the driver or a passenger who is using the phone.
This is how Mersey Gateway bosses are defending controversial bridge
Hampshire and Thames Valley police forces will be the first to use the technology.
A spokesman for the two forces said: "The technology can detect when Bluetooth is being used but cannot detect if a passenger is using the phone, but the sign will still be activated reminding motorists of the distraction of a mobile phone whilst driving."
Pc Liz Johnson, a roads safety officer, said: "Research shows us that you are four times more likely to crash if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, reaction times are around 50% slower than a driver not using a mobile phone.
"It is also apparent that you are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal collision when texting compared with drink driving."
The campaign is being supported by Kate Goldsmith who lost her daughter Aimee Goldsmith after a lorry driver crashed into the car she was a passenger in while he was using his mobile phone to change music whilst driving.
The 11-year-old was killed along with her stepbrothers Josh Houghton, aged 11, Ethan Houghton, aged 13, and the brothers' mother Tracey Houghton, aged 45.
Ms Goldsmith said: "I am supporting this campaign and welcome any technology which can assist in educating people and stop them from using their mobile phones whilst driving.
Why FIFTY taxis were taken off Liverpool's streets last month
"My daughter's death was completely avoidable.
"Please don't use your mobile phone whilst driving, it's not worth the risk."
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: "Driving and using a handheld phone do not mix, it is an incredibly dangerous and distracting combination.
"We welcome this technology as it will hopefully make drivers think about what they are doing behind the wheel, and encourage some to put down their phones and concentrate fully on driving.
"While it will no doubt be argued that the technology cannot yet definitively detect drivers that are using handheld phones illegally, we are aware of camera equipment being trialled in other countries which can.
"We have made the Department for Transport aware of this."
