DRIVERS who use their mobile phones when they are behind the wheel will face stiffer penalties from next week.

The penalty for using a hand-held phone while driving will increase to a £60 fine and three penalty points.

If the case goes to court there is a risk of a fine of up to £1,000.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs said: "If you use a hand-held phone while driving you are potentially putting your own, and other lives at risk. The only way to stay safe is to switch off before you drive off.

"Drivers should never make or answer a call while driving, and instead should use voicemail or call divert. Hand-held phones should only be used after stopping in a safe place.

"Although hands-free phones are still legal, they should still be used with caution. They can be just as distracting and drivers can be prosecuted if they are not in proper control of their vehicle."

There have been a growing number of serious collisions caused by drivers talking on their phone and not giving their full attention to the road. So, in an innovative move, road safety officers are also appealing to people on the other end of the line to end the call if it sounds like the person they are talking to is driving.

Councillor Pile said: "Because you can't see the hazards facing the driver during a phone conversation, it's impossible to judge how distracting the call is. Our advice is that if it sounds like someone is driving, stop the call and arrange to call them back later."