FROM next month new laws will see drivers facing tougher penalties for using hand-held mobile phones while driving.

The Road Safety Act is due to become law on February 27th. It tightens the law on use of phones, with anyone caught facing a £60 fine and three penalty points.

The use of hand-held phones in cars was banned in December 2003. It is not an endorsable offence, but drivers face a £30 fixed penalty or maximum fine of £1,000 for conviction in court.