Penalties for drivers who use their phones are set to increase

Police are stopping drivers on Wednesday to raise awareness of the ban and promote the use of hands-free kits.

Last week the government unveiled plans to double the fine and impose penalty points on those who flout the law.

But road safety campaigners say more needs to be done to persuade motorists to switch off their phones.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents wants the government to extend the ban to cover hands-free phones.

The first anniversary of the ban is a good time to remind everyone of the dangers of using hand-held mobile phones while driving Nicol Stephen Transport Minister

Proposals to toughen the existing legislation, which came into effect on 1 December last year, were contained in the Queen's Speech at Westminster.

Measures in the Road Safety Bill would increase the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving from �30 to �60 and add three penalty points.

More than 20 people have died on Britain's roads in accidents where mobile phones have been partly to blame.

Figures released by police showed that 7,186 drivers have been fined for using a hand-held mobile phone on Scotland's roads.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said: "This is good work by our police forces and I am certain it has saved lives."

'Simple message'

He said the introduction of tougher penalties sent out an important signal about the seriousness of this problem.

"The simple message is that using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal, irresponsible and dangerous and can kill others.

"The first anniversary of the ban is a good time to remind everyone of the dangers of using hand-held mobile phones while driving.