YOUNG and inexperienced drivers are being warned that one mistake could cost them their licence following the implementation of new rules on mobile phone punishments.

The penalties have doubled so that, as well as getting a £200 fine if caught using a phone behind the wheel, drivers will also be handed six points – enough for people who have had their licence less than two years to have it revoked.

If this happens, new drivers will have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence, and pass both the theory and practical parts of the driving test all over again.

Nick Lloyd, road safety manager for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “Taking your theory and practical driving tests can be an expensive and stressful time, so imagine having to go through it all again for one moment of stupidity.

“We understand how difficult it can be to ignore your mobile phone, but there’s not a single reason that will excuse putting people’s lives at risk, and hopefully these new stricter penalties will mean drivers think twice.”

Use of a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel will be punished whether you are making a call, using it on loudspeaker, texting, filming, taking a picture or using the internet, and the law applies even when you are sitting stationary in traffic.

While the use of hands-free kits is legal, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises that not even this should be attempted while driving.

Although you won’t be taking your eyes off the road, merely engaging in a conversation will mean that your attention is elsewhere and not fully on the road and the environment around you, and if your driving is affected you could be charged with “not being in proper control of your vehicle”.

The warning came as Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police engaged in a national week of enforcement action, against drivers illegally using hand-held devices.

And there has now been a change in policy across both Thames Valley and Hampshire in that the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme will no longer be routinely offered as an alternative to a fixed-penalty notice.

Officers will use their discretion as to whether, in exceptional circumstances, a course is appropriate.

Between January 1, 2014, and September 30, 2016, there were 56 collisions across Hampshire in which use of a mobile phone while driving may have been a contributory factor.

These collisions included four fatalities and 73 injuries.

Van driver Christopher Gard was jailed for nine years last year following a collision on the A31 at Bentley last August which resulted in the death of cyclist Lee Martin.

Thirty-year-old Gard, from Alton, was using his mobile phone when he ran into the back of Mr Martin.

The father-of-two died in hospital.

During the same period, a total of 14,651 tickets were issued to drivers found to be using a mobile device while driving.

Superintendent Simon Dodds, head of the joint roads policing unit across both forces, said: “There is never an excuse for someone to be using their mobile phone while driving and this change in legislation sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated.

“To coincide with this change, we will no longer routinely offer the driver awareness courses as an alternative to points and a fine.

“This toughened stance sends a message to offenders who use mobiles while driving, and the increased penalties better reflect the seriousness of such driver behaviour.”

Supt Dodds continued: “All too often, my officers are faced with the devastation caused by motorists who persist on ignoring the dangers and drive while using their hand-held phone.

“Lives are tragically lost and families are destroyed by the irresponsible decision to take a call on a hand-held device, send a text while driving, or search for music.

“The safest way is to put down your phone, switch it to silent and place it out of sight to ensure that you will not be tempted to pick it up.

“Using your mobile phone while driving needs to be considered to be as socially unacceptable as drink or drug-driving, because the consequences can be fatal.

“The message is simple – don’t use your mobile phone while driving – it’s not worth the risk.”

For families who have lost a loved one as a result of a driver on their phone, the penalties will never seem enough. However, the brother of Lee Martin believes it is a step in the right direction.

Darrell Martin said: “I am pleased that these tougher penalties are being introduced however in my opinion more can still be done to properly reflect the danger posed by a conscious decision to act recklessly.

“I feel that phone use at the wheel is just as, if not more, dangerous to society than drink driving and should be regarded in the same way.

“I do not think the danger of phone use will be addressed properly until phone use at the wheel is seen as socially unacceptable.

“But these changes are a step in the right direction and I welcome them.

“We need to get to the point where everyone is challenging any driver who goes to pick up their mobile phone when driving, just as most of us would do with a drink driver.”

In a direct appeal to anyone considering using their handheld phone while driving, Mr Martin added: “Do you think what you are about to do is really important enough to take your eyes off the road?

“My brother was killed by someone who was writing a message to his mate about taking his dog for a walk.

“How do you think we as a family think about that? How do you think my brother would feel if he knew that something so dumb would result in his death?

“And how do you think the killer of my brother feels sitting in prison knowing that he killed someone because of that? “Please, don’t take that risk.”