Dangerous drivers in Croydon are being targeted as part of a four-week police operation.

Met Police launched Operation Radar today which will see traffic officers target drivers who use hand-held mobiles, motorists not wearing their seat belts and speeding cars on the A23.

The operation is being conducted in partnership with Transport for London's Road Safety Unit and Croydon Road Safety Partnership.

In the three years to the end of 2007 there have been 497 people hurt in road accidents on the A23, including four killed and 51 seriously injured.

The A23 accounts for more than 13 per cent of the borough's total road traffic casualties.

Drivers caught speeding or using a hand-held mobile will receive three points and a £60 fine.

Chief Inspector Dave McLaren, of the Met's Traffic Operational Command Unit, said: "This operation is designed to act as a deterrent to people who continue to flaunt road traffic laws which exist for the safety of all road users.

"When statistics show that there were 225 fatal collisions in London last year, work such as this is vital in preventing death and serious injury on London's roads."