West Mercia police catch 20 drivers on mobile phones on first day of tougher penalties

Penalties and fines for offenders doubled to six points on their driving licence and £200 fines from Wednesday.

Victoria Bristow, from the Safer Road Partnership, said 20 people were caught in the West Mercia Police area during the first day.

She added: "This is not entirely accurate though as this will only be ones that officers have managed to record on the system. Some will still be being added when they get back to base and it doesn't include those caught on the night shift."

The new measures have been introduced following a series of high-profile cases and research suggesting the practice is widespread.

New drivers can have their licence revoked if they get six penalty points in their first two years on the road, which could now be the result of sending a single text message. More experienced motorists can lose their licence if they receive 12 points in a three-year period.

Twenty-two people were killed and 99 seriously injured in accidents on Britain's roads in 2015 when a motorist using a mobile phone was a contributory factor, latest figures show.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said increasing fixed penalties will be a "strong deterrent".

He added: "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." The Department for Transport said members of the public can report repeat offenders anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Crackdown

Police forces are carrying out a seven-day crackdown with extra patrols and an "increased focus" on catching drivers using hand-held phones.

The RAC found the proportion of drivers who confessed to sending a message or posting on social media while driving rose from seven per cent to 19 per cent, while and some 14 per cent owned up to taking photographs or videos.

One of the first people caught was a taxi driver in Birmingham city centre.