New penalties announced by the Department for Transport to target drivers using a mobile phone have come into effect.

It means people caught texting or making a phone call without a hands-free device could be fined £200 and have six points added to their licence.

It is double the penalty previously in place.

Novice drivers, who passed their test in the last two years, could have their licence revoked once they reach six points rather than 12 under the New Drivers Act.

The law applies to drivers in England, Wales and Scotland and is the same even if you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic, according to gov.uk.

It is also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.

A driver can, however, use their phone when in a vehicle if they need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop, or are safely parked.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "Using a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, while driving is dangerous. It is also unnecessary.

“Drivers can switch off their phone and let it take messages, and return messages, make calls or send texts when they have stopped in a safe place."