MOTORISTS in the Wellington area have been advised to park their mobile phones before driving after new laws with tougher penalties came into force last week.

Drivers caught using a handheld phone from last Wednesday will receive six points instead of three with fines doubling from £100 to £200.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Road Safety, said: “We’re fully supportive of these tougher penalties. All too often we see drivers using a handheld phone while driving, either to talk, text or go online.

“It’s impossible to fully concentrate on the road while you’re doing this and sadly driving blind while looking at a screen can have devastating consequences.

“This is a really important message, so please switch off your phone before driving – and always encourage others to do the same.”