A POLICE crackdown on phone usage behind the wheel has already seen more than half a dozen motorists across Hampshire slapped with tougher penalties.

Officers in Totton and Fareham stopped six people on Wednesday – including one motorist with 27 points on their license.

The clampdown is part of a national week of enforcement action against drivers illegally using handheld devices.

Under new measures, motorists caught using their phones while driving are now liable to six points (previously it was three) and a £200 penalty.

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The new tougher penalties can also see new drivers lose their licence the first time they are caught using a phone behind the wheel.

More experienced motorists can also lose their licence if they receive 12 points in a three-year period.

The motorists caught in Totton were stopped in the first hour of a police operation to tackle the problem.

In Fareham, police on the A32 caught three drivers using their phones behind the wheel in just half an hour.

Another motorist in Gosport was issued a £200 fine and six points after being caught using a phone connected to Bluetooth, which was held in their hand.

Rob Heard, roads safety sergeant for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “I was hoping that we would see a reduction in the number of people using their phones will driving.

“I am shocked we are still finding people using their phones behind the wheel, not only putting their lives at risk but those of others as well.

“I would urge all motorists when they get in their cars to switch their phones off and put them in the glovebox – that way it will not be any form of distraction for you.”

Thames Valley Police said it had stopped 11 people for using phones, including two new drivers, in its first patrol of the day.

It also stopped five people for not wearing seat belts.

The new measures have been introduced following a series of high-profile cases and research suggesting the practice is widespread.

Between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2016, there were 56 collisions across Hampshire in which use of a mobile phone while driving may have been a causation factor.

These collisions involved a total of four fatalities and 73 injuries.

Superintendent Simon Dodds, head of the Joint Roads Policing Unit across both forces, said: "There is never an excuse for someone to be using their mobile phone while driving and this change in legislation sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated."