MORE and more techno-savvy motorists are putting themselves and others in danger by continuing to use their phone at the wheel.

According to a survey released this week by the RAC Foundation, nearly half of motorists in the area regularly break the law by texting while they are driving.

The driving safety charity surveyed 2,000 Facebook users and found that out of the 100 drivers surveyed under the Portsmouth region - the area that Bournemouth users have to register under - 47 per cent of drivers text while at the wheel with only 11 per cent of motorists turning off their phones completely.

Hampshire Police said drivers in the county continue to flout the law on using mobile telephones at the wheel even though penalties were toughened up a year ago.

During 2007, officers issued 5,929 fixed penalty notices to drivers using hand-held mobile phones while on the move, just 703 fewer than the number of tickets issued in 2006.

Inspector Peter Hughes said the figures were "extremely disappointing".

Inspector John Mallace from Dorset Police's traffic unit, said: "Firstly I would just like to point out that using your phone at the wheel is illegal. We have had a number of fatalities on our roads caused by drivers using their phones and it is not acceptable.

"I would go as far as to say that texting is more dangerous than taking a call because it requires a lot more concentration and the driver's attention is taken away from the road and on to the screen.

"Unfortunately it is a problem of modern society and as more youngsters get on the road it will become worse. I would advise drivers to use their common sense. They are in charge of a lethal weapon and they need to think about their safety and others."

Motorists now receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence if they are caught texting or driving while in control of the car.

Elizabeth Dainton, research development manager for the RAC Foundation, said: "Urgent action is needed to address this increasing problem, especially as the younger generation, who have grown up with technology and computers, begin to take to the road."