The law banning the use of mobile phones while driving is now in force but Western Bay of Plenty police will offer motorists some leniency in the first week.
Senior sergeant Ian Campion has welcomed the law change and says police in the Western Bay will be using their discretion carefully when enforcing the law.
'Police will be using a broader discretion towards drivers in the first week. We have adopted a lenient approach,” says Ian.


Western Bay of Plenty police have been told to use a 'broader discretion” during the first week of the ban on using a mobile phone while driving.

He says the directive for police in the region to use a 'broader discretion” in the first week will only apply to talking on a mobile phone while driving but no leniency will be offered to motorists caught texting.
'To be honest, there will always be people who continue using their mobile phone but the bulk of drivers are very aware of the safety issues around using a mobile phone while driving,” says Ian.