THE number of motorists in Worcestershire caught using mobile phones while driving has dropped following the introduction of tough new penalties.

Between Tuesday, February 27 and Tuesday, March, 27, 93 people were fined £60 and received three penalty points on their licence, compared with 121 between similar dates in January and February.

West Mercia Constabulary is pleased with the drop, but disappointed the figures remain high.

Casualty reduction manager Sergeant John Roberts said: "Despite all the publicity some motorists are still claiming they did not know it was illegal to use a hand held mobile.

"Research has shown that if a person is using their mobile while driving they are four times more likely to crash. Being distracted by a conversation or text message means you will react more slowly to what is happening around you and take longer to brake.

"People who use their phones while they are driving are more likely to miss road signs and tailgate and find it difficult to maintain a steady speed or proper lane position.

"Our advice to drivers is save yourself £60 and reduce your chances of becoming involved in a potentially fatal collision by switching your mobile off when you get into your vehicle."

Before the law changed in February, drivers caught using their phones at the wheel for the first time were fined £30.

Now they are fined £60 and receive three penalty points on their licence.

If the matter goes to court they could be fined up to £1,000.

If they are involved in a collision they could be prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving and sent to prison.