DRIVERS in Ludlow and south Shropshire and across Tenbury and the Teme Valley are warning that penalties are set to increase for using mobile phones on the move.

This month, the penalty increases to £200 and six penalty points from the current three points and £100.

All three emergency services, police, fire and ambulance say that distractions caused by mobile phones can present a serious road safety hazard.

Superintendent Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: "Improving the safety of our roads is a year-round commitment for our officers.

“Mobile phone enforcement is already part of our daily operational activity and we are fully supportive of national campaigns like this one which aim to highlight the ongoing work by police forces to crack down on motorists who are blatantly ignoring both the law and the dangers involved.

"Many motorists are already aware that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.

“This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media and applies even if you're stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. With smartphones becoming more and more embedded into our daily routines, we are all aware of how useful they can be.

“However, it is unacceptable to allow yourself to be distracted by them while driving, and officers will ensure any motorists doing so face the penalties involved.

"We are urging people to think about the consequences of their actions and ask themselves how they would feel if they caused a collision and injured, or killed, somebody else simply for the sake of making a call, reading a text message or checking social media.

"Think. Put your phone away and avoid deadly distractions at the wheel."