Drivers warned over using mobiles

Signs are being put up on main roads in Gloucestershire urging motorists not to use their mobile phones while driving.

The move follows new figures which show that 1,046 drivers were caught and fined this year for flouting the ban.

The number is 425 higher than that for 2004 which was the first year of legislation coming into force.

County councillor Stan Waddington, cabinet member responsible for road safety, said: "The increase in these figures is alarming."

Penalties faced

The signs, designed by 16-year-old Callum O'Neill, a pupil at St Peter's School in Gloucestershire, display the message, "Switch off your phone - not your concentration".

Offenders face a minimum fine of £30, rising to a maximum of £1,000 if the case goes to court, higher for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches.

Cllr Waddington added: " Using a mobile phone when driving is dangerous and irresponsible and the evidence of increased risk of a collision is absolutely clear.

"And yet amazingly we see drivers taking the risk too often on Gloucestershire roads."