Drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while they are driving, according to new figures released by the Department for Transport.

Research by the Government has shown that 1.5% of car drivers and 2.4% of lorry and van drivers are using hand held phones.

Road safety minister Stephen Ladyman said: "Using a mobile phone while you're driving makes you four times more likely to have an accident, and it's a shame that a small minority of drivers are still using their hand-held phones.

"Missing a call won't kill you, but a road accident might. I urge people to switch off their phones while they're driving to make the roads safer for us all. The police are on the road looking out for drivers using phones and they do prosecute those they catch.”

The Road Safety Bill currently going through Parliament will mean that in future people using a hand held phone will get a £60 fine and three points on their licence.

Over 50,000 people throughout England and Wales were fined a fixed penalty for using a mobile phone whilst driving last year.

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