A man texting on two cellphones at the same time, another texting in one hand and using the other to drink a beer and a woman sending messages on her phone while driving three kids and a horse float.

These are just some of the drivers pinged by police in west Auckland as part of a national campaign targeting driver distractions.

Inspector Trevor Beggs said they issued 54 infringement notices over a period of just two hours on Lincoln Road yesterday.

He said answering phones seems to be an instinctual response for people.

"It just seems to be an instinctual response, that when the phone rings, people will grab it and answer it no matter where they are, so our message is to please switch off your phone when you get into your car."

He said motorists need to turn their phone off when getting into their car.

Inspector Beggs said if you're that desperate to speak to someone, send a text or update your Facebook status - then pull over.