Since February 2007, the fixed penalty for breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving has included the award of three penalty points plus a fine of £60.

Between June 1 2008 and May 31 2009, 4775 tickets were issued in South Yorkshire. That’s 740 more tickets in comparison to the same period the previous year.

Using your mobile phone when driving means you’re not in control of your vehicle. Doing so will risk the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users.

When you’re driving, switch off your phone, use voicemail so messages can be left for you or let a passenger make or answer a call.

It’s unsafe for a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone. Making or receiving a call even with a hands-free kit, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to a collision.

Responsibility for the safe control of a vehicle always rests with the driver.

Chief Inspector Andy Male, said: “Using a mobile phone when driving is a very dangerous act and that is why it was made an endorsable offence.

“The severity of the penalty reflects the dangers posed through mobile phone use and not maintaining proper control of your car.

“We are determined to do everything we can to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on South Yorkshire roads.

“If you need to make a call or check for messages, find a safe place to park, but remember it is against the law to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency.”