The research also showed that 90 per cent of the public believe using a phone at the wheel has a negative impact on a person's driving.

In February last year the Government introduced the tough new penalty of three penalty points for drivers caught using a hand-held mobile and increased the fine from £30 to £60.

A survey of police forces in England and Wales indicates that 185,000 drivers were caught using hand-held phones in 2007, showing the police's commitment to tackling this dangerous practice.

Jim Fitzpatrick said: "It is quite simple - driving and mobile phones don't mix. Using a mobile behind the wheel makes you four times more likely to have a crash and a phone call just isn't worth that risk.

"That is why we increased the penalty for illegally using a mobile when driving to three penalty points and a £60 fine.

"One year on, I am delighted to see that the vast majority of people recognise the dangers of using a mobile when driving.

"However, too many people are still putting themselves and others in danger for the sake of a phone call. I hope the first anniversary of the tougher penalties for mobile phone use will remind all drivers to switch off before they drive away, or go to voicemail and listen to their messages later."

Recent research showed a 40 per cent reduction in the number of car drivers seen using hand-held mobiles at the wheel between September 2006 and August 2007.