PUBLIC consultation on a specific offence of driving while using a mobile phone has been welcomed by Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson who is promoting a private member's bill.

Mrs Anderson said news that the Government may consider an offence to prohibit the use of hand-held mobile phones or similar devices echoed her own Bill currently awaiting its second reading.

A complete ban on the use of mobile phones by all drivers, even when stopped at lights or in a traffic jam, is being considered by the Department of Transport. The new offence could leave drivers subject to a £30 fixed penalty or a conviction of up to £1,000.

Mrs Anderson said: "From my own research, I am in no doubt that the consultation will result in an overwhelming demand for such a specific offence to be introduced as quickly as possible."

But leading motoring organisations have hit back at the proposals saying drivers should be stopped from smoking and eating while on the road if the Government insists on banning the use of mobile phones.

Bert Morris, the AA's public policy manager, said: "We cannot have a law banning the use of mobiles without one to ban eating, smoking, drinking, applying make-up or shaving for that matter.

RAC Foundation executive director Edmund King added: "Drivers face hundreds of distractions while driving, including passengers, pedestrians, posters, cones, congestion and cyclists."