When will they learn?

SNEAK peek . . . this driver has his phone on hand

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WHAT will it take to stop selfish motorists putting lives at risk when they use their mobile phones while driving?

Despite the introduction of new and tougher punishments yesterday, motorists seemed oblivious to the new laws when they were snapped taking their eyes off the road by a Chronicle photographer on Oldham Way. The harsher penalties are double the original with those caught using their phone at the wheel slapped with six penalty points and a £200 fine under new legislation. Recently passed drivers could find themselves disqualified if they are caught. Yet the drivers photographed took little heed to the new laws and the signs warning the drivers, so is the new legislation enough?

While road safety charity Brake has welcomed the tougher stance, they say the fine is inadequate. They also raised concerns about dwindling numbers of road officers being able to catch perpetrators.

Gary Rae, campaigns director for Brake, said: "The increase in the points is very welcome. However, when you realise that you can be fined £1,000 for not having a TV licence, then the £200 fine for illegally using a mobile looks woefully inadequate.

"We're also very concerned about the ever-dwindling number of roads traffic police. Their numbers have fallen by almost a third since 2010. There are now approximately 3,700 specialist traffic officers in England and Wales. We want the UK government to look again at this." GMP are increasing traffic operations to coincide with the introduction of the new laws with officers stalking the roads in marked and unmarked cars as well as carrying out roadside checks.

They will also spread the word on the new legislation and dangers associated of using a mobile while driving as part of the #WrongForTheRoad campaign.

Gocompare.com warned of the insurance implications as a result of being caught using a mobile phone after they revealed six per cent of drivers in the North-West had convictions for using a mobile phone behind the wheel.