Drivers in the Spen Valley caught using their mobile phones face prosecution from today as a new ban comes into force.

Motorists caught using a hand-held mobile phone will initially face a £30 fine, to be increased to up to £1,000 if the matter goes to court.

But the Government plans to increase this penalty, leaving offenders with three penalty points and a £60 fixed penalty.

David Jamieson, Road Safety Minister, said: "The vast majority of motorists know that driving and using a mobile phone is dangerous and I hope today's ban will make the roads safer for everyone."

Although the law does not restrict the use of hands-free phones, police have warned they have other powers to prosecute drivers if they are distracted by a call on a hands-free phone.