THE doubling of penalties for using a mobile phone while driving are unlikely to have any great effect on the tens of thousands of selfish, anti-social scofflaws on our roads.

There should only be one penalty for using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle - automatic disqualification from driving for an absolute minimum of three years (whether or not losing their licence results in offenders losing their jobs).

In allowing them to continue driving, the courts are in effect telling them, you didn't kill or maim anybody this time - but you are free to go out there and try again.

The laws regarding driving while using a mobile, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of banned substances need to be far more draconian if they are to have any real impact on reducing the carnage on our roads.

Robert Readman

Norwich Avenue West, Bournemouth