DRIVERS received a timely reminder from Wiltshire police this week that they face stiff penalties if they are caught using hand-held mobile phones from next Monday.

As from December 1 it will be an offence, under new government legislation, to use a hand-held phone while driving and those doing so can expect to receive a fixed penalty notice of £30 or fine of up to £1,000 on conviction in court.

For drivers of goods vehicle, buses or coaches the court fine could be as high as £2,500.

Employers may also be prosecuted if they require their staff to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Under existing law, drivers using hands-free devices still risk prosecution if they fail to maintain proper control of their vehicle or drive carelessly or dangerously.

Commenting on the new law, Wiltshire constabulary's road safety officer, Sergeant Dave Melvin said: "This new legislation comes as no surprise given the independent research that has been carried out, together with widespread concerns raised by both the public and various road safety agencies.

"Quite simply, using hand-held mobile phones and driving are two activities that cannot be performed safely at the same time.

"Driving today requires all of your attention all of the time, not all of your attention some of the time. It is nonsense for people to claim that they can control their vehicles safely while using a hand-held mobile phone.

"Increased ownership of mobile phones in recent years has unfortunately led to more and more drivers using them while driving.

"A great many others find this behaviour annoying and, frankly, look upon it as inconsiderate and dangerous.

"We therefore believe the vast majority of the public who use the roads in whatever mode, will welcome this new legislation and see it as a sensible step towards improving everyone's safety on the roads".

Both the police and the DoT are saying that drivers should switch off their mobile phones when driving and use their voicemail, a message service or call diversion, so that they can pick up messages later.

The previous safety advice regarding hands-free equipment remains, which is that drivers should avoid where possible taking calls on hands-free phones, ie switch phones off altogether before driving.

Sergeant Melvin added: "You cannot concentrate fully if you are making a phone call.

"It is not the same as talking to a passenger who is aware of the traffic conditions and can see what is happening in front of you.

"If you must take a call on a hands-free phone, tell the caller that you are driving and end the conversation quickly - either tell them you will ring back later or find a safe place to stop before continuing the conversation or replying to the call."

The police are emphasising that it is the use of hand-held mobile phones that has been outlawed while driving, not the use of hands-free phones - although the safety advice is not to use hands-free either.

They stress that drivers must have proper control of their vehicle at all times and not drive carelessly or dangerously.

"Clearly lengthy or complex conversations will be a distinct risk and should be avoided," said Sergeant Melvin.