TOUGHER new penalties for using a mobile phone behind the wheel mean motorists face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.

Drivers caught using a phone within two years of passing their test will have their licence revoked under new rules in England, Scotland and Wales.

New drivers who get six points or more must retake their practical and theory. More experienced drivers can be banned if they get 12 points in three years.

In 2015, the latest year for which figures are available, 22 people were killed and 99 seriously injured in accidents where a driver was using their phone.

Surrey and Sussex Police joined Hampshire Constabulary and other forces across the country in a seven-day crackdown on offenders as the new law came into effect.

Surrey Police issued 1,502 tickets for mobile phone offences, last year.

Superintendent Chris Moon, head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit said: “Using your phone while driving has long been a very dangerous activity and is a reason for many serious crashes.

“The new penalties reflect this and demonstrate that using a phone while driving won’t be tolerated.

“Although mobile phones are seemingly essential to modern day life that does not mean you have to be on it or able to answer it every minute of the day.

“Our advice is to put your phone on silent, put it in the glove box or turn it off completely. Get into the habit of telling people who may contact you that you will be driving – it is also their responsibility to not call you while you are doing this.

“To coincide with the increased new penalties Surrey and Sussex roads policing officers will be out enforcing the tighter regulations and taking a firm stance against anyone caught using a mobile phone when driving.

“These latest legislative amendments are another way to help drive the message home #ItCanWait.

“Motorists who are evading the law will find out first-hand how the latest change in penalties will hit both their pocket and licence.”