Shropshire Star survey: Mobile phone use while driving

Penalty points will rise from three to four and fines will go up 50 per cent to £150 under Government proposals.

But the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) warned the move would not have a "dramatic impact" unless there were more traffic police officers to enforce the law.

Under the measures, drivers of larger vehicles such as HGVs would receive six points for being caught on a hand-held phone – up from three – because the consequences of an accident can be much more severe. Drivers can be banned if they receive 12 points within three years.

In 2014 the use of a mobile phone was a contributing factor in 21 fatal accidents and 84 which were classed as serious, according to Department for Transport (DfT) statistics for Britain.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives. I want to see it become a social taboo like not wearing a seatbelt. We will take action to tackle this persistent problem."

Most people caught for the first time will be given the opportunity to avoid points on their licence by taking an educational course which focuses on the effects of holding a mobile while driving.

The IAM's director of policy and research, Neil Greig, praised the Government's desire to improve road safety but claimed harsher punishment for mobile use will not have a significant effect.

He said: "What we need is an increase in traffic police officers who enforce tougher regulations."

In October the RAC published analysis of Ministry of Justice data showing that prosecutions for the offence are down by almost half in five years, despite a study showing the practice is more common.