Using a hand-held phone while driving attracts a �30 fine

The police have warned that under proposed new legislation, offenders could face bigger fines as well as penalty points.

They said patrols would continue to target those who ignored the ban.

A total of 8,261 drivers have been given �30 fixed penalty fines since last February.

Although it was introduced on 1 February 2004, police operated a "yellow card" system of warning drivers before implementing the fines from 1 March.

Tougher legislation is being considered by the Department of the Environment.

Inspector Rosemary Leech, of the PSNI's Road Policing Development Branch, said the fixed penalty notices were about making roads safer for everyone.

Drivers should be very clear that it is a serious risk to road safety and the department is determined to persuade drivers that it is a risk not worth taking Harry Green DoE

"It's about reducing the numbers of people killed or seriously injured," she said.

"Using a hand-held mobile phone for talking, or worse for texting, while driving inevitably distracts your attention."

Research showed drivers using mobile phones were four times more likely to be involved in a collision and were distracted both physically and mentally.

"People know that it is both dangerous and illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving," said the inspector.

Hard shoulder

Department of the Environment spokesman Harry Green said every driver should be aware that using a hand held mobile phone while driving slows reaction times by almost 50%.

"Drivers should be very clear that it is a serious risk to road safety and the department is determined to persuade drivers that it is a risk not worth taking," he said.

"We plan to take forward legislation which will lead to offenders having penalty points added to their licenses and having to pay higher fines from early next year".

On a motorway, it is illegal to pull over onto the hard shoulder to answer a call.

Hands-free kits are allowed, but many road safety experts say they do not reduce the risks of having an accident.

The law also bans passengers from holding a mobile phone to the driver's ear.

The maximum fine for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches is �2,500.