THE region's Police and Crime Commissioner has given his wholehearted support to the tougher approach being taken with drivers who use their mobile phone at the wheel.
David Jamieson, who previously served as a councillor for Kingshurst & Fordbridge, argued that the increased penalties had overwhelming public support.
Under the changes, which came into force at the start of the month, those caught texting or making calls without hands-free equipment face six points on their licence and a £200 fine.
The Government said it had decided to make punishments more severe amid concerns that the seriousness of the crime wasn't getting through to many motorists - even though it is 13 years since the offence was first introduced.
Mr Jamieson, who actually steered through the original ban during his time as a Labour MP, said: "These tougher penalties are welcomed by all sensible road users, as driving while using a handheld mobile phone is potentially lethal.
"This is about saving lives. Studies have found that motorists who talk on their handheld phone while driving are four times more like to crash. Statistics also show that in just five years there were more than 3,000 accidents involving a driver on the phone."
Previous studies have found driver reaction times when using a mobile phone are actually 30 per cent slower than someone who is just over the drink drive limit; and 50 per cent slower than under normal driving conditions.
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