Road safety organisation Brake has welcomed a redoubling of efforts to crack down on motorists found to be using a mobile phone while in charge of a vehicle.

A new campaign has been launched by police forces across England and Wales that will focus on catching offenders in the act of mobile use while driving, with the aim of stamping out this behaviour in future.

Gary Rae, campaigns director for Brake, said: "Younger drivers, especially those aged between 25 and 34, simply aren't getting the message about the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.

"Doing any other complex task while driving hugely increases your chance of crashing."

Mr Rae concluded that drivers are placing themselves and others "at great risk" by failing to recognise the dangers of checking mobile phones.

Indeed, a survey recently completed by Brake and Direct Line revealed how almost half (49 per cent) of all drivers aged between 25 and 34 are falling foul of the law by texting, checking apps and heading online when they should be focused on the road.

More than one-third of this group stated how they carry out these activities several times per week.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "Distraction is one of the greatest risks that motorists face. It is therefore important to avoid the use of mobiles at all times when driving, as they can take all the attention of the driver away from the essential task of driving."