Hi-tech cameras will be used to catch drivers on their phone after announcement of new law

A new law means drivers will now face six points and a fine of up to £200 for handling their phone while driving.

A loophole in the former law meant reckless drivers could be prosecuted if caught texting or calling from a hand-held device. However, changing music or taking pictures was exempt from punishment.

The new law, which was yesterday, has brought an end to the loophole, with motorists now facing six points and a fine of up to £200 for picking up their phone at the wheel.

It essentially means holding a mobile phone while driving is illegal, and Highways England's hi-tech roadside cameras will be trialled to help enforce this.

It will see HD cameras attached to overhead gantries to capture images of drivers through their windscreens.

In Australia, more than 100,000 offenders were captured by the cameras in six months.

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