A CRACKDOWN on motorists who use hand-held mobile phones while driving started yesterday.

A warning has also gone out to those who persist in breaking the law that they can expect to face a fixed fine rather than a warning.

The law banning the use of hand-held phones while driving was introduced nearly a year ago, but Durham Police said many people flouted the law.

Chief Inspector Paul Goundry said: "Without doubt, when a driver uses a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel of the vehicle, their attention to driving is impaired. As a result, accidents occur and some have very serious consequences for those involved.

"I am very concerned that this legislation is still being widely ignored by the public, including many professional drivers.

"That is why throughout this month, officers will be taking a hard-line approach to those who flout the law."

He said those caught would be fined £30 rather than being given a warning.

While no figures were available for the number of penalties issued in the Durham Police area, Cleveland Police yesterday said that 1,059 drivers were prosecuted for using a phone while driving last year, with seven people fined for using a mobile phone while supervising a learner driver.

This year, 1,567 drivers have been prosecuted.