MORE than 100 drivers across West Mercia flouted a law to prevent people using mobile phones at the wheel despite new, tougher penalties.

Across West Mercia, which includes Worcestershire, 105 drivers were recorded as using their mobile phones while driving between March 1 and March 28.

Across England, Scotland and Wales this works out at 200 drivers a day caught using their mobile phones illegally in the first four weeks after the tougher rules were introduced.

Police forces in Britain penalised almost 6,000 motorists for the offence in the four weeks after tougher punishments took effect, equivalent to one every seven minutes.

Campaigners claimed the "worrying" findings suggest many drivers are ignoring repeated warnings about the dangers of using phones at the wheel despite a string of publicity campaigns and harsher sanctions.

From March 1, those who fall foul of the rules have faced receiving six points on their licence and a £200 fine - up from the previous penalty of three points and £100. The changes mean new drivers risk losing their licence for sending a single text.

Calls for efforts to curb illegal mobile phone use intensified in the wake of a string of high-profile cases and research indicating that it is widespread.

Figures obtained following Freedom of Information requests show forces recorded 5,977 instances of the practice the four weeks after the clampdown was rolled out alongside a nationwide police campaign.

The Metropolitan Police registered the highest number at 2,037, meaning more than 70 drivers were caught using a handheld phone on London's roads each day.

Thames Valley Police recorded the second-largest total at 478, followed by Police Scotland (339), Hampshire Police (280) and Cheshire Police (224). Seven forces did not supply figures so the figure is likely to be higher.

Incidents reported by police after the tougher penalties were introduced include a man doing his online banking while driving along the M5 motorway near Birmingham.