MORE than 150 motorists have been caught using their mobile phones while driving in Wiltshire since tough new penalties came into force.

The figures have fallen compared with a similar period last year but police say the number is still too high.

A six-week campaign was carried out in the county after the punishment for using a phone while driving was increased at the end of February.

People using a hand-held phone behind the wheel now receive a £60 fine and three points on their driving licence. The old penalty was a £30 fine.

Officers issued a total of 151 of the new £60 fixed penalty notices during the crackdown.

In August 2006, more than 400 drivers were issued with the notices.

Acting Chief Insp Nick Elton, from Wiltshire Police's roads policing unit, said: "Obviously it's a significant drop but it's still 151 people caught.

"People using a mobile phone while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and no-one wants to be involved in a collision.

"The message I would like to get across is if you do need to use your mobile phone either get a hands-free kit or find somewhere safe to pull over before you answer it.

"It's human nature to answer a ringing phone.

"If it's not connected to a hands-free kit you might be tempted to answer it so switch the phone off before you drive off."

Between 1998 and 2001, there were at least 19 road deaths in the UK attributable to the use of a mobile phone while driving.

Mr Elton said: "That's 19 too many and I'm sure if you were to speak to the loved ones of those 19 then they wouldn't see it as a small number."

The change in legislation also means that if the case goes to the Magistrates' Court a fine of up to £1,000 may be imposed, and a driving ban.

The fine can be up to £2,500 where the offenders are driving goods vehicles.

The number of people being caught on our roads is falling, but police say they are not becoming complacent.

"Everybody we have stopped has known it's been an offence," said Mr Elton.

"The changes seem to have had some effect but if any officers see anyone using a mobile phone while driving they will stop them and deal with it.

"We plan to monitor the figures over the next couple of months and if it's creeping back up we will carry out another campaign."