CAMPAIGNERS have expressed concern that tougher penalties for using mobile phones behind the wheel are not deterring motorists after new figures show thousands are still doing it.

Almost 6,000 drivers were caught – 181 across the North-East and North Yorkshire – by police across the UK in just a month since tougher new penalties took effect on March 1.

In the North-East, 40 drivers were caught by Durham Police, 33 in Cleveland, 56 in Northumbria and 52 in North Yorkshire.

The figures, obtained by the Press Association, have concerned road safety campaigners who fear many drivers are ignoring repeated warnings about the dangers of using phones at the wheel.

Research has found being distracted by a phone while driving can make a driver up to 25 times more likely to be involved in a collision

Earlier this year Road Safety GB North-East launched a Look Out For Each Other campaign with the support of the region’s 12 local authorities, police forces, fire crews and Police and Crime Commissioners.

It will run over the next two years and seeks to raise awareness of the dangers that distractions – including mobile phones – pose to motorists.

Road Safety GB North East also ran a ‘Don’t Stream and Drive’ day to discourage drivers from checking their phones on the road.

Chairman Sonya Hurt said: “A significant road safety issue is the visual distraction of some drivers checking texts, emails or social media when on the move.

“To think that your message is more important than everyone else around you is irresponsible and selfish; we welcome the Government’s decision to double the penalties for drivers who choose to do this.”

Since the stricter penalties were introduced on March 1, motorists caught using their phone whilst driving now face six points on their licence and a £200 fine - up from the previous penalty of three points and £100.

This means new drivers risk losing their licence for sending a single text.

The RAC Foundation described the increased penalties as “a start”, but warned the figures for March suggest “the key message still isn’t sinking in”.

Steve Gooding, RAC director, said: “Hands need to be on the wheel and eyes looking out of the windscreen, not down at the phone screen.”

In March this year, Harrogate lorry driver Dariusz Tokarczyk was jailed for four and a half years for ploughing into the back of 21-year-old Jodie Moss’ car in Berkshire while he was choosing music on his mobile phone.

The 21-year-old from Swindon died in the collision.