Drivers in Britain caught using their mobile phones are likely to face steeper fines and more penalty points on their licences.
The crackdown was outlined by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who said the tougher rules would form part of the government’s new road safety plan, to be published this week.
Fines are likely to rise to £150, up from £100, and penalty points to increase from three to four or, in the case of lorry drivers, to six. Persistent offenders will be banned from driving altogether.
Plans were announced after nearly 500 accidents last year were recorded, caused by drivers using hand-held phones. This is the highest number on record, despite a legal ban on driving while holding a phone.
The crime has resulted in more than 205 people being killed in the UK in the last 10 years.
The plan will be put to a public consultation next year but has already been welcomed by police and the motoring groups AA and RAC.
