A publicity campaign to warn motorists against driving while using hand-held mobile phones is getting into gear.
The start of the government-sponsored campaign coincides with the publication of new guidelines on the use of mobiles.
The guidelines, from the Federation of Communication Services, say drivers should never hold a mobile phone while driving.
Motorists are also advised to use hands-free mobiles only when it is safe to do so and to keep conversations short and simple.
Difficult calls and business “meetings” on the road are seen as unsafe.
The campaign is being supported by the RAC and other motoring organisations as well as the police, safety groups and the mobile communications industry.
Edmund King, the RAC’s Head of Campaigns, said: “Hands-free mobile phones are, for many people, an essential part of everyday life.
“Used responsibly, they should cause no real distraction to the driver or danger to other road users.”