Dumfries and Galloway drivers are ignoring increased penalties

It comes after a week-long national campaign to highlight tougher penalties for the offence.

Scotland's smallest force recorded 10 offenders on the first day of the campaign from a national total of 109.

Over the seven-day period 58 drivers were detected and reported for using their mobile while out on the road.

Since 27 February if a driver is caught using a mobile phone the fine has been doubled to �60 and they can now have three penalty points added to their licence.

Simple message

Sgt Scott McLachlan of the road safety unit said it did not seem to have stopped motorists making calls.

"Put simply, it is unsatisfactory behaviour from drivers," he said.

"In the first day of the campaign the region had 10 offenders caught out of the national figure of 109, for the smallest force to have almost 10% of the national figure is shocking.