Initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum fine of £1000 if the matter goes to court, though the BBC reports that police forces in England and Wales - though not Scotland - have indicated they will take a lenient approach to offenders for the next two months.

The Government plans to increase the penalty for the new offence by making it subject to 3 penalty points and a £60 fixed penalty. Primary legislation will be needed for this when a suitable opportunity arises to amend Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

A list of frequently asked questions about mobile phones and driving is available from the Department for Transport's website www.dft.co.uk