FIVE motorists in the borough have been stopped by police for breaking new laws banning the use of mobile phones while driving.

One of the drivers was issued with a £30 fine, while the others were given verbal warnings and advice on the current legislation.

Although the new regulations became active on Monday, local police have adopted an initial advisory period where "offenders" are given just verbal warnings and a leaflet explaining the new laws.

However, extreme offences, where motorists are caught using hand-held mobile phones as they negotiate roundabouts or left or right hand turns, will automatically receive a £30 fixed penalty notice.

Under the new regulations, it is illegal to hold or activate the buttons on mobile phones while driving. They can only be used when connected to "hands-free" systems and the handset is secured in a holder on the dashboard.

It is also forbidden to use a hand-held mobile even when the motorist is stopped at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic. This includes receiving calls, pictures, text messages or accessing the internet.

The £30 fixed penalty fines can rise to £1,000 for car drivers and £2,500 for lorry, bus and coach drivers if they are challenged through the courts.

Inspector Andy Hudson, head of Bury's traffic unit, said: "It would appear that motorists across the borough are, in the main, taking heed of the new laws.

"This is very encouraging, but I can assure people that after our two-week advisory period, anyone caught using a mobile phone when their vehicle is moving will be issued with a fine."