Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit has taken to Twitter to get the message out there that mobile phone usage behind the wheel is unacceptable.

The warning comes after two drivers were stopped this morning in connection with using mobile phones while travelling.

One driver was stopped on the A1(M) and another was stopped in South Mimms.

Police have warned motorists that anyone caught using their phone behind the wheel can face six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit tweeted: “Don’t be tempted to use your phone, no matter what.”

A Herts Police spokesman said: “Studies have shown that your reaction times are 50 per cent slower if you use a mobile phone while driving and you are four times more likely to have a collision.

“Comparisons have been made to it impairing your ability to drive to a similar degree as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.”

Nearly 500 drivers have been caught in Hertfordshire for using a handheld mobile phone while at the wheel since the penalties doubled earlier this year.

Between March 1 and September 30 2017, 493 motorists in the county were caught using a handheld mobile phone.

Drivers caught twice face a lengthy ban, which could also lead to a £1,000 fine.

New drivers – those who have passed within the last two years – face having their licence revoked if caught just once.