A WARNING has gone out to urge motorists not to use their mobile phones to pictures of road accidents while they are driving past.

Four drivers have been sent letters of intended prosecution against them for driving without due care and attention or without consideration of other road users by Gloucestershire Police after an accident on the M5 on Monday, July 28.

A police officer reported that, after a caravan collided with the central reservation of the southbound carriageway close to Michaelwood services, he saw 12 motorists acting irresponsibly.

In some cases the actions of the drivers caused other road users to take evasive action.

The eight other drivers are to be sent warning letters regarding their use of a mobile phone.

PC Shelley Holloway said: "We were dealing with a caravan that had overturned. thankfully nobody was injured in the collision.

“However the actions of several motorists who drove through the scene showed no regard for their own or of other people's safety, as they used their mobile phones to record or video the wreckage as they passed.

"In doing so, they were not in proper control of their vehicle. They slowed down causing motorists behind them to brake or take evasive action and slow the flow of traffic that was already heavily congested.

"One of the causes of serious injury and fatal collisions is the use of mobile telephones. We urge motorists to switch off their telephones and lock them away if they feel temptation is too great whilst they are driving.

“You can only legally use your phone if mounted on a fixed point and hands free kit is used, however it is still as distracting as talking to a passenger.”