Government plans for tougher penalties on using phone while driving

The government is considering introducing harsher penalties for drivers caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel, in a bid to improve road safety standards.

Under the new plans, drivers found guilty of using their mobiles on the road will be issued with a six-point penalty, as opposed to the current three points. Meanwhile, the immediate financial penalty of £100 will be doubled to £200.

If approved, the move will mean newly-qualified drivers, who have a six-point limit in the first two year of driving, will be at risk of losing their license if they are caught.

The news comes after criticism that not enough has been done to deter drivers from the offence.

The new measures are expected to be introduced in the first half of 2017.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling commented: "As technology develops, mobile phones are commonplace, but we need to take responsibility for our actions, and as drink or drug-driving has become socially unacceptable, so must using mobile phones at the wheel.”