HEREFORDSHIRE drivers caught using mobile phones while behind the wheel face fines of up to £2,500 under new laws which come into force on Monday.

The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any type of phone can include disqualification, a large fine and, in some cases, up to two years in prison.

For the employer the new law will include an offence of "causing or permitting" a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving during work hours.

Ann Mann, Herefordshire Council's road safety officer, said: "It's very difficult to concentrate completely on the road if you are having a telephone conversation.

"People may say what is the difference between talking on the phone and talking to a passenger? Well it's simple really, the passenger can see the road ahead and they appreciate the driving conditions and would just shut up if there were a problem."

Drivers caught breaking the new law face a £30 fine. This can be increased to a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses or coaches) if the matter goes to court.