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Motorists face tough new penalties for breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving from February 27 2007, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today. From that date, the fixed penalty will for the first time include the award of three penalty points as well as doubling the fine to £60.

Mr Alexander said:

"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile.

"We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27 February, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of three points on your licence as well as a £60 fine."

Latest enforcement figures for 2004 show there were 978 fixed penalty notices for using a hand held phone while driving issued in Derbyshire, 759 in Leicestershire, 1529 in Lincolnshire, 297 in Northamptonshire and 653 in Nottinghamshire.

A campaign to raise awareness of the new fixed penalty begins today and will include radio, press and online activity raising awareness of both the change in penalties and the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This educational approach goes hand in hand with continued enforcement activity by the police. Home Office figures for 2004 show that nearly 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.

DfT continues to work closely with private partners, including the mobile phone industry, to ensure mobile phone users are made aware of the changes and how it affects them