‘SHOCKING’ new figures showed that more than 200 drivers a day were caught using their mobile phones illegally in the wake of a major crackdown.

Police forces across the UK penalised almost 6,000 motorists for the offence in the four weeks after tougher penalties came into force.

From March 1, those who fall foul of the rules have faced receiving six points on their licence and a £200 fine – up from the previous penalty of three points and £100.

Lancashire Police said that during the four-week period after the new laws came in 110 people were penalised in the county for using their phone while driving.

The new figures have been described as ‘concerning’ and ‘worrying’ by politicians and safety campaigners.

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Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for neighbourhood and prevention services, Cllr Arshid Mahmood, said: “These figures are quite alarming., especially given some of the well-publicised fatal crashes involving people using their mobile phones.

“It is concerning people still aren’t taking these tougher penalties seriously, “I just hope people think again before they injure or kill someone.”

Burnley Council leader, Cllr Mark Townsend, said: “It’s quite worrying that people aren’t taking notice of these tougher penalties.

“Hopefully, having seen these figures, people will start to take notice and stop using their mobile phones while driving, and our roads will be safer.”

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity, The RAC Foundation, said: “Driving requires our full attention.

“Hands need to be on the wheel and eyes looking out of the windscreen, not down at the phone screen.”