CONFUSED motorists are calling Gwent Police for advice on new laws making it illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Motorists say they are unsure about whether it is also illegal to use phones via hands-free kits and car cradles when the law comes into force on Monday.

Inspector Steve Corcoran, of Gwent Police's Road Policing Unit, explained the law: "The offence will be the use of a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.

"It will also include the use of a mobile phone, in a car driven by a learner driver, by the supervisor in the passenger seat.

"Basically, if you have a mobile phone or similar piece of kit that is capable of sending texts or photographs, you are not allowed to hold it while driving.

"'Holding' also includes you pressing a couple of buttons while the phone is on the seat of the car or cradling it between your ear and shoulder.

"Even if you are stopped at traffic-lights, if the car is running you are still technically driving.

"If the phone is in a proper hands-free car cradle it will not be an offence to use it, but there are current laws regarding the use of any implement in the car while driving if you are not in proper control.

"Even if you are not holding the phone you would still be liable and there are fixed penalty tickets."

It will NOT be legal to use hands-free kits that comprise an earpiece and a wire while driving.

Insp Corcoran added: "For the first two weeks after the legislation comes in, Gwent Police will have a policy of advising drivers as opposed to prosecuting them.

"We accept this is quite a large problem in society and we want to give everyone the opportunity to be aware.

"After two weeks, we will be enforcing the law. "We've had quite a few members of the public ringing in, asking us to explain it to them."

What happens if you're caught

The offence of using a mobile phone while driving is subject to a fixed penalty of £30, although the government wants to increase this to £60 plus three penalty points in future.

It your case goes to court there is a possible fine of up to £1,000. If you were driving a goods vehicle or coach, the maximum fine on going to court is £2,500.

Inspector Corcoran offered the following advice:

If you have your phone on for emergency purposes, pull over at the next available safe place and use your phone then;

Get a dedicated hands- free car cradle;

Switch your phone to voicemail and pick up any messages when you reach your destination.