Norfolk has seen a steep rise in the number of fines handed out to drivers for using their mobile phones at the wheel following an update to the law, new figures show.

Tougher rules have driven the substantial rise but the more widespread use of dashcams has also been attributed with helping to catch and prosecute drivers caught using their mobiles.

Norfolk Constabulary handed out 1,531 fixed penalty notices to people for driving while using a hand-held device in 2022, Home Office figures show.

Dereham Times: The law over use of phones while driving was toughen in March 2022The law over use of phones while driving was toughen in March 2022 (Image: PA)

This was up from just 241 the year before – although people's travel behaviour in 2021 was affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, 2022 levels remained above pre-pandemic 2019, when 1,144 FPNs were issued.

This is likely due to a change in the law in March 2022.

READ MORE: What are the new mobile phone rules for drivers?

Previously, the law stated drivers were guilty of an offence when using the hand-held device for "interactive communication", but this was updated to incorporate any use.

An offence carries a minimum £200 fine and six points on the driver's licence.

The fine was paid in 896 (59pc) of the FPNs handed out in Norfolk, while none led to driver retraining.

Court action was required in a further 635 - four in 10 cases.

Dereham Times: Camera footage is being used to prosecute more drivers more mobile phone useCamera footage is being used to prosecute more drivers more mobile phone use (Image: Newsquest)

Motoring campaigners said camera footage was being used to prosecute more drivers but warned the best way to deter it was to increase the number and visibility of traffic officers on the roads.

READ MORE: New road sign can detect drivers using phone

RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said far too many drivers were still "prepared to put lives at risk by engaging in this dangerous practice".

He added: "Without the dial being turned up on enforcement, there’s every chance we will never bring about the change needed to curb this behaviour. Ultimately, we have to make using a handheld phone at the wheel as socially unacceptable as drink-driving."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The use of mobile phones whilst driving is dangerous and reckless and can lead to serious road traffic collisions."