Road safety teams in Milton Keynes and Lancashire are renewing efforts to ensure drivers remember the change in law with regard to mobile phones that was introduced in December 2003.

The ban on mobile phone use while driving includes making or receiving calls, sending pictures, text messaging or accessing the Internet. A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile if they do not have proper control of their vehicle.

Leaflets and posters are being distributed in and around Milton Keynes to get the message across to drivers - to encourage them to get into the habit of switching off their mobile before driving. The poster features two messages to illustrate how difficult it is to concentrate on two separate activities at the same time .

Lancashire's road safety team has also renewed calls for drivers not to use their mobile phone while on the move.

Neil Cunliffe , Lancashire County Council's road safety group manager, urged drivers to think of the consequences when using a hand-held mobile in the car. "Not only do you risk lives, drivers caught using a mobile phone also risk a fine. Even if you're a careful driver it's easy to be distracted by a phone call or text message - and that split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash," he said.

This year the THINK! mobile phone campaign is concentrating on cinema and radio advertising to encourage drivers to get into the habit of switching off their mobiles before driving. People watching the latest blockbusters are also being encouraged to think about road safety - to switch off in the car in the same way they would at 'the pictures'.