More than 10 drivers who were caught not wearing their seat belts or on their mobile phones have been penalised after an operation in Deal led by police volunteers.

Officers from the East Kent Special Constabulary carried out an exercise in partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) at Betteshanger on Friday.

They were looking for road users who were not wearing seatbelts to promote road safety.

In total 23 vehicles were stopped. Seven of the drivers were given penalty notices for not wearing their seatbelts and three were given tickets for using their mobile phones while driving.

Those issued with penalty notices could now face a fine, points on their licence and could also be asked to go on a special driver awareness course.

In addition, three roadside prohibitions were issued by officers from the DVSA for vehicle defects. This means the drivers have to fix the fault immediately or within ten days, depending on how dangerous it is.

"It is also clear that some motorists still think it is OK to use their mobile phones without a hands free kit. It is not OK at any time." - Special Inspector Alan Watson

Special Inspector Alan Watson said: “These enforcement operations play an important part in targeting motorists who may be driving dangerously and vehicles which are not roadworthy.

“The majority of motorists drive safely however some still aren’t getting the message that seatbelts must be worn at all times for their own safety and that of others.

"It is also clear that some motorists still think it is OK to use their mobile phones without a hands free kit. It is not OK at any time.

"It only takes a second to be distracted and cause a potentially fatal accident. This small mistake could change lives forever.

“It is imperative that all road users play their part in keeping our roads safe for everyone and we will continue to run these operations as a way of further educating and penalising drivers who are intent on breaking the law.”

Kent now has 308 Special Constables who are unpaid volunteers, many of whom have full-time jobs and give up at least 16 hours of their own time every month supporting regular police officers.

Anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable, to support Kent Police with a variety of work and learn new skills can visit www.kent.police.uk/specials or follow @KentSpecials on Twitter.