The Government has launched a radio advertising campaign warning drivers that, from December 1, they face a £30 fine if caught holding a mobile phone while driving.

Those nabbed holding a phone face a £30 fixed penalty fine, which can be upped to £1000 if the matter goes to court. Drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches face a fine of £2,500.

The Government also has plans to increase the fixed penalty fine from £30 to £60 and slap drivers with three penalty points as well although it's unclear when that might be introduced.

Said road safety minister David Jamieson: "Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous - you are risking your own life and those of other road users.

"By making it an offence to hold a mobile phone when driving - we will make the roads safer for us all. I urge drivers to remember: missing a call won't kill you - an accident quite possibly could."

Research published earlier this month revealed that there was widespread ignorance concerning the new legislation with half of UK drivers unaware of the law change. ®

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