Almost half of all UK drivers are unaware of changes to the law regarding the use of a mobile phone while at the wheel, which comes into force next week.

From March 1, anyone caught on their phone while driving will face increased punishments.

The changes will see guilty drivers hit with a six-point endorsement – up from three points – and a £200 fine, up from £100.

The change will most affect new drivers, with those who have held a licence for less than two years facing an immediate ban for the offence.

Drivers who reach six penalty within the first 24 months of holding a licence face immediate disqualification. Experienced drivers can, in normal circumstances, stay on the road until they have amassed 12 points.

A survey carried out by insurance company Marmalade ahead of the law change revealed that 47 per cent of drivers under the age of 25 and 38 per cent of those over 25 were completely unaware of the change.

Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, said: “It’s clear that education about the changes to the law has not been communicated well enough.

“This is worrying as next week we will see a big change come into play.

“Those who have been driving less than two years will lose their licence if they are caught using a mobile phone which is obviously the thinking behind these new measures soon to be imposed by the Department for Transport.

“This no-nonsense approach is something I support, and although it will no doubt hit young people the hardest, eradicating dangerous habits from the off-set will save lives.

“The bottom line is that when we pass our driving test and get our licence we have a responsibility to drive safely whilst enjoying the freedom and independence that driving can offer.”