Motorists caught using mobile phones while driving will face tougher penalties from next month.

Starting from 27 February 2007, the fixed penalty will double to £60 and for the first time drivers will also be given three penalty points on their licence.

The revised penalty follows research from the Government showing that whilst four fifths of people agreed with the 2003 law that fines drivers using their phone without a hands-free kit, nearly a third of drivers admitted to breaking it.

Home Office figures for 2004 show that nearly 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.

“We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92 per cent of people agree with the law, 21 per cent 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,” said Transport secretary Douglas Alexander.

However, road safety charity Brake, does not think the new measures will be enough,

“We are pleased to see these new penalties coming into effect, however education and awareness will need to go hand in hand with the threat of penalty points to be a successful deterrent,” said a spokeswoman for the charity. “Police should also be given more resources by the government to help enforce this."

She also voiced concern about hands-free devices, which are seen by many as safe to use whilst driving.

“The public needs to be aware that hands-free kits are just as dangerous as mobiles - they still lead to distraction,” she continued.

Brake believes drivers should switch off their phones at the beginning of a journey to avoid the temptation of making or receiving calls and pull over if they must talk on the phone.

This advice was backed up by the Government. “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,” Alexander said.