The government are cracking down on the use of mobile phones behind the wheel from Wednesday.
Under tougher penalties that come into force in England, Scotland and Wales, newly qualified drivers will lose their licence if caught using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel.
In what the government said it hoped would act as a strong deterrent to what motoring organisations call an “epidemic” on the roads, penalty points and fines will double to six points and £200 if drivers are caught using a phone while driving.
For those who are caught twice, will face magistrates’ court, disqualification and fines of up to £1,000.
Fines for using mobile phones whilst driving were first introduced in 2003 and were just £30. They doubled in 2007 and three penalty points were also introduced as a deterrent. In 2013 the fine went up to £100 but according to the DfT, “there has been no sustained reduction in observed mobile phone use over time”.
The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, said: “Our message is simple and clear: do not get distracted by your mobile phone while driving. It may seem innocent, but holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to yourself and other road users.
“Doubling penalties will act as a strong deterrent to motorists tempted to pick up their phone while driving and will also mean repeat offenders could find themselves banned from our roads if they are caught twice.
“Everyone has a part to play in encouraging their family and friends not to use their phones while driving – it is as inexcusable as drink driving.”
Last year in the UK, 22 people were killed and 99 were seriously injured in incidents where drivers were using mobile phones.
The tougher penalties for using a mobile while driving received almost unanimous support, the Department for Transport said. Chief constable Suzette Davenport, the head of roads policing on the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “These new penalties reflect the seriousness of the offence and will strengthen the deterrent against using a mobile phone at the wheel. We need people to understand that this is not a minor offence that they can get away with.”