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Traffic: The bylaw was implemented in April to stop people from using their phones while driving. Motorists caught red-handed have their cellphones taken away for 24 hours and only get it back after paying a R500 fine.

Cape Town — Mostly middle-aged Cape Town residents have been caught using their cellphones while driving, it was reported on Friday.

The majority of 100 cellphones were confiscated from people 42-years-old or older, safety and security mayoral committee member JP Smith told the Cape Times.

He found this out after looking at their ID numbers.

"The younger generation knows how to use hands-free kits while older motorists still prefer to hold their cellphone in one hand and drive with the other," he said.

The bylaw was implemented in April to stop people from using their phones while driving. Motorists caught red-handed have their cellphones taken away for 24 hours and only get it back after paying a R500 fine.

According to the report, 12 people have failed to pick up their phones, which range from the "ultra cheap" to the "exquisite" smartphones.

"I do not know why people do not want their cellphones back. We will auction uncollected cellphones after three months. The supply of containers in which we keep the cellphones is limited."