JUST four weeks after the new stiffer penalties for using a mobile phone while driving came into force, it is revealed that 200 drivers a day are being caught using their mobiles illegally- and those are only the scofflaws that have been apprehended doing so.

Increased penalty points and fines are obviously not working - the law needs to be far more draconian.

The penalty should be automatic loss of licence for a minimum of three years - with no exceptions.

Far too many drivers escape the consequences of their actions on the grounds that losing their licence would mean losing their job and or making life difficult for them and their families. The discretionary power for leniency should be removed from the courts.

Far better that scofflaws and their families suffer the consequences of their inexcusable behaviour than give them the opportunity to get back behind the wheel and to kill or maim others.

And any death resulting from an accident resulting from a driver using a mobile phone should be regarded as murder - not manslaughter.

There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for using a mobile phone while driving.

ROBERT READMAN Norwich Avenue West, Bournemouth