RESIDENTS have raised concerns over the number of drivers using mobiles while driving in Barnwood.
Mike Groom, of the Barnwood Residents' Association, said it was a concern around the area and he was worried for the safety of families.
"You see drivers in cars, trucks, all sorts of transport driving up and down here while they are using their phones."
But he is grateful for a police operation which was carried out in Barnwood Road last week where 35 drivers were spoken to about road safety.
Named Operation Bismarck, officers were also out speaking to cyclists about keeping safe and off the pavements. Local policing team officers carried out stop checks on motorists to ensure they were wearing seatbelts, not using mobile phones and keeping their vehicle in good order. Several fixed penalty notices were issued for drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Concerns over cyclists riding on pavements have also been raised. They were also spoken to about this during the operation.
However, a resident of Barnwood and Vice-Captain Simon Chapman, of the Gloucester City Cycling Club, said he did not think it was a major problem in the area.
But he is concerned some cyclists will not be properly equipped for the gloomier mornings now the clocks have gone forward.
He said: "As part of the club, we always adhere to cycling properly and safely. However, because the clocks have gone forward I believe some cyclists will forget to put their lights on."
The club have noticed an increase in people riding bikes in Gloucester, especially since the Olympics, and people unsure about the rules of the road can find them at www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code.
Police Community Support Officer Khim Mortimer, who planned the operation, said: "Operation Bismark wasn't about penalising motorists but about educating them in terms of road safety.
"Most drivers we spoke to were very happy to see us conducting the checks, as were the local residents.
"One real positive was that during the operation we didn't see anyone using their mobile phone while driving."
