Drivers who risk lives by talking on hand-held mobile phones will face tough new penalties this month.

Changes to the current laws will come into place on Tuesday February 27, when motorists caught using a hand-held phone whilst driving will face a penalty fine of £60 - double the current fine. For the first time, they also face three penalty points on their license.

The changes to the current law have come about to reflect new research and findings into the dangers of using a mobile while driving.

Research has shown that if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, you are four times more likely to crash.

In advance of the new Law coming into effect, both the Council and the Police are urging motorists to take heed. Cllr Fred Jackson, Cabinet Member for the Urban Environment said: “Extensive research has shown that using a mobile phone while driving can seriously affect your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It is impossible to do two things at once and do them well. We hope people in Blackpool respect the new legislation, and respect others on the road.

Police in Lancashire will begin to enforce the change from February 27.  Inspector David Old from Blackpool Police said: “We are now routinely seizing mobile phones when investigating serious collisions, as the use of a hand-held mobile phone may be a contributory factor to the cause of the collision.

“With this in mind we will be enforcing the legislation through the issue of endorsable fixed penalties from the 27th onwards. The cost of hands free kits has dropped significantly over recent years, and their use could save lives as well as money.”

New laws were introduced in 2003 to prevent deaths and serious injuries as a result of using mobile phones. However, surveys show that although 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers still admit to breaking it. The new laws will put stronger penalties in place and hopefully reduce the amount of people who insist on taking risks.

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

Blackpool Council and local Police will promote a mobile phone campaign over the coming weeks, warning residents of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving and raising awareness of the changes in the law. A national awareness campaign is also underway.