The consultation seeks views on the possible introduction of a ban on hand-held phones and asks for opinions on issues such as what, if any, exemptions might be needed.

Road Safety Minister, David Jamieson said:

"We know that driving a vehicle whilst using a hand-held mobile phone is dangerous. Our recent advertising campaign has increased awareness of the dangers of this and the police already prosecute those irresponsible drivers who insist on using their mobiles. But there is still a core of motorists who are ignoring these warnings."

"We are therefore consulting widely on introducing a specific offence of driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. This should leave no-one in any doubt that we are serious about the dangers that this practice presents to drivers and all road users. We are keen to see contributions from as many people as possible to help decide the way forward."

Recent figures suggest that nearly three quarters of adults in this country own or use a mobile phone.