Police officers will be out in unmarked HGVs to catch drivers on their phones.

The Roads and Transport Policing Command, from the Metropolitan Police, will be patrolling collision hotspots in unmarked HGVs so they can tackle driving while using electronic devices.

It is hoped the higher vantage point will mean they can see drivers breaking the law and can stop them.

This is part of a special week of enforcement, aimed at reducing the crime and the number of fatal and serious incidents caused by it.

According to Steve Burton, director of transport for London’s compliance and policing at Transport for London, drivers who use devices such as phones and tablets at the wheel are four times more likely to be in an accident.

Mr Burton added: "This police-led Mobile Phone Week of Action shows that this type of dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated.

"As part of our Vision Zero approach to create a road network which is free from death or seriously injury, we’re working with the police to crack down on dangerous drivers who put themselves and other road users at risk, by enforcing offences such as using mobile phones, speeding or dangerous driving."

The officers out this week will be cracking down harder on other road-related crimes as well, such as those found travelling too fast, failing to wear seat belts, performing a red light violation, failing to comply with advanced stop lines, having vehicle defects or no insurance.

This will apply to cyclists, motorcyclists, van and lorry drivers as well as those in cars.

Commander Neil Jerome, from the Territorial Policing Command, said: "Throughout the week of action, traffic officers will be focussed on non-compliant motorists who unlawfully use hand-held mobile devices while driving, or commit other road violations which pose a very real danger to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians.

"This is about reminding all road users of the importance of keeping themselves and others safe when on London's roads and that means concentrating on safe driving."