YOUNG drivers in Alcester and Studley are being targeted as part of a campaign to save lives.

Striking animal head imagery from road safety project The Honest Truth is appearing throughout February to challenge the behaviours of younger drivers around their use of mobile phones.

Funded by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, the campaign builds upon a campaign in December that focussed on the consequences of drinking and driving.

A spokesman said: "Whilst we all should know it is illegal to hold a mobile phone or sat nav while driving or riding a motorcycle, we cannot deny that smart phones bring amazing benefits from increased connectivity, access to instant web surfing and sharing news and information.

"While we should enjoy this, we can become too attached to our phones. If this sounds like you, it is even more important to put your phone out of sight in a bag or glove box when you are driving so you don’t get tempted to check it."

They added: "That’s not all though, you could be back to L-plates if officers stop you within two years of passing your test. The law still applies to you if you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, or supervising a learner driver."

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “This is the latest in a number of road safety initiatives I am funding to try and make a real difference and reduce casualty numbers on our county’s roads.

"Working with The Honest Truth I want to make young drivers aware of the risks when they start to drive alone."

He added: “We have also recruited 75 Approved Driving Instructors to join us as The Honest Truth Approved Driving Instructors in Warwickshire to teach the essential life skills that new drivers need when first driving on their own, enabling new drivers to make the right decisions when it matters.”