The penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will increase.

It will now include three penalty points and a £60 fixed penalty fine.

The same fines also apply to drivers failing to have proper control of a vehicle.

The new penalties are part of the Road Safety Bill. This has just gained Royal Assent – and will pass into law in three months.

There will also be a new offence of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. It will carry a gaol term of up to five years. It will also carry a fine. This has been doubled from £2500 to £5000.

A further new offence of causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured will also carry a custodial sentence.

Also included in the act are:

• The range of penalty points for speeding is to be extended
• Tougher punishment for those who speed the most seriously
• Lesser penalties for less severe speeding
• Repeat drink-drive offenders will be required to retake test
• Enables the future use of alcohol ignition interlocks to discourage persistent re-offending

New Road Safety Bill to become law in three months