A selfish driver caught using his mobile phone during a police operation argued with officers and ranted: “That is an absolute joke.”

The man, who continued to use his phone despite police sirens behind him, went on: “You’re joking - six points just for using Google Maps?

“It’s unfair. I see millions of people using their phones. There should be a course where you can learn how to drive safely using a phone.”

Even when officers told him that four people have been killed on Dorset roads in the last two years due to mobile phone use, he continued: “You are punishing everybody for four crimes being committed.

“It is ridiculous - I haven’t caused an accident or anything. People should be punished after they commit a crime, not before.”

The man was one of those caught in a day-long crackdown across Bournemouth and Poole as a new campaign was launched to tackle motoring offences.

Dorset Police are loosely basing the campaign on the Cards Against Humanity game where participants are given the opportunity to make the right or wrong choice.

It aims to tackle what officers call the fatal five - mobile phone use, failing to wear a seat belt, drink or drug driving, speeding and careless or inconsiderate driving.

The campaign is being run by the Dorset Road Safety Partnership which includes Dorset Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, Dorset Council, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Highways England, Public Health Dorset and the Safewise charity.

Chair of the partnership, Assistant Chief Constable Julie Fielding, said: “We’re now seeing 30 per cent less people killed and seriously injured on our roads each year versus 2012 and this is a positive step. However, we cannot be complacent. It is vital that we continue to find new and innovative ways to prevent casualties on our roads.

“Everyone would like to think they are a considerate driver, but sometimes life gets in the way and one error of judgement can sometimes have catastrophic consequences.

“This unique campaign will hopefully remind us that we are all human and have the ability to make the right choices and show humanity towards each other.”

Campaign messages will be shared on social media, billboards throughout Dorset, roadside signs, advertising trailers on roundabouts and other local authority highways as well as other advertising channels.