Several area police departments this month are increasing patrols in an effort to target drivers who violate Connecticut's mobile phone laws.

Police in Norwich, Stonington, Waterford and Old Saybrook are among those partnering with the state Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Office for the statewide "U Drive, U Text, U Pay" enforcement initiative, which will last throughout April.

Waterford police said they will send additional officers to high-volume traffic areas and conduct checkpoints with a focus on finding operators using handheld mobile devices. They also will strictly enforce other violations such as not using a seatbelt.