Experienced drivers will also see tougher penalties if they're charged more than once. If found texting at the wheel for a second time, they'll have to go to court and may be given up to a £1,000 and a driving ban of at least six months.

App makers are starting to warn users against using mobile phones while driving. Niantic, makers of the hit game Pokémon Go, were forced to implement new checks that warn drivers about playing while behind the wheel, after numerous reports of players crashing while trying to catch the cartoon creatures.

"As technology develops, mobile phones are common place, but we need to take responsibility for our actions and as drink or drug driving has become socially unacceptable, so must using mobile phones at the wheel," says Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who will formally confirm the plans in the coming weeks.

"It may seem harmless when you are replying to a text, answering a call or using an app, but the truth is your actions could kill and cause untold misery to others."