MORE penalties were handed out to drivers using phones in South Yorkshire last year, new figures show.

The RAC has suggested young people may be more likely to be using devices while behind the wheel.

Figures show South Yorkshire Police handed out 808 notices for the offence in 2023, up from 426 the year before.

Last year 538 led to a fine, while 245 resulted in a court summons.

These figures do not include fixed penalty notices ultimately cancelled by the force.

A law change has broadened the definition of phone use – meaning the offence is now triggered whenever someone holds or interacts with their device.