TOUGHER rules on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving are set to come into effect tomorrow.

The South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) is raising awareness of the new rules.

Under the new legislation, drivers will be breaking the law if they use a hand-held mobile phone for virtually any reason.

This includes taking photos, scrolling through music, playing games or refreshing the screen.

Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP, said: “This change in law is about preventing collisions and saving lives.

“Any type of distraction while driving can be deadly and if you’re concentrating on your mobile phone, then you’re not focussing on the road.

“Hopefully this change in law will reinforce our ongoing messaging that if you’re driving, then your phone should be away and out of reach.”