HEREFORD MP Paul Keetch has called for motorists to be banned from using mobile phones while driving.

The Liberal Democrat has signed a House of Commons motion, which highlights research showing that being distracted by a mobile is as dangerous as drink-driving.

Road experts also warn that car, van and lorry drivers run a greater risk of being involved in a smash if they are using a hand-held phone to chat or send text messages.

Official figures reveal 17 people have been killed on Britain's roads in accidents involving the use of mobile phones.

"We recognise the inherent dangers of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a mobile vehicle," said Mr Keetch.

"Engaging in a mobile phone conversation impairs drivers' ability to react to potentially hazardous road situations."

Currently, no law specifically prohibits people talking on cellphones while behind the wheel.

But police can prosecute for careless, inconsiderate or dangerous driving.

The maximum penalty is an unlimited fine and two years' jail.

The 88 MPs who have signed the motion are calling on the Department of Transport and Home Office to initiate urgent debates on the safety implications.

A Transport Department-published road safety leaflet, entitled Think, warns motorists to avoid taking calls - even if they have hands-free phones.

It says that though motorists believe a hands-free phone will enable them to control their vehicles, their minds will not be fully on driving.

It also adds that using hands free means that concentration used for controlling the vehicle is lost and this could mean danger for the driver and other road users.