Drivers caught using hand-held mobile phones or sat-nav systems at the wheel face two year jail terms under tough new guidelines published today.

Drivers could be prosecuted for dangerous driving where there is "clear evidence" that using a handset has posed a danger to other road-users, according to the measures proposed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

And toying with sat-navs or MP3 players could also bring dangerous driving prosecutions, with the chance of two years in prison.

Prosecutors have recommended the get-tough measures as part of their bid to get millions of motorists who flout the law to take it seriously.

Existing guidelines restricted the CPS to bringing charges of careless driving which holds a maximum fine of £5,000 and up to nine points on a licence.

Under the strict new proposals, those who cause death on the roads while using their handsets face death by dangerous driving charges - carrying a maximum 14 year term and in the most serious cases could be prosecuted for manslaughter, which can carry life.

  • Listen to Rob Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety, on this morning's BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

    Click on the link to listen:
    Listen here.