THE number is up for drivers who use a mobile phone, police have warned.

They are four times more likely to be involved in a collision, say West Mercia Police.

Mobile phone safety is one of seven key areas which have been identified as significantly increasing the number of collisions on West Mercia's roads.

The other deadly sins are: motorcycle safety, speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, poor driving, illegal vehicles and seatbelt safety.

Drivers risk a £30 fixed penalty fine, rising to a maximum of £1,000 for using a handheld phone if the matter goes to court, even in stationary traffic. In 2005 West Mercia Police issued 5,234 fixed penalty notices for

the use of a mobile phone while driving.

Furthermore, anyone who is making a call when they are involved in a collision risks being prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving - offences which carry severe penalties including heavy fines, disqualification and imprisonment.

Sergeant John Roberts, force casualty reduction officer, said: "It can be beneficial and reassuring to have a mobile phone in the car in case of an emergency, but talking on a phone while driving can be as dangerous as drink-driving or falling asleep at the wheel.

"It puts the driver's own and other people's lives at risk, and we will be stepping up our enforcement campaign against motorists who flout the law. It is difficult to do two things at once. A lapse in concentration means drivers react more slowly and take longer to brake, are much less aware of what's happening on the roads, fail to see road signs, do not maintain proper lane position and steady speed, are more likely to tailgate the vehicle in front, may pull out in front of other traffic, and can generally feel more stressed and frustrated."

The seven deadly sins road safety section of West Mercia Police's website - www.westmercia.police.uk - has an area dedicated to mobile phone safety.