London, May 29 (IANS): UK police have caught almost 6,000 drivers using their mobile phones while driving even after tougher penalties for the offence came into effect, according to latest figures.

The tougher penalties came into effect from March 1 and, under the rules, new drivers caught using a phone within two years of passing their driving test will have their licence revoked altogether and a fine of 200 pounds ($256), the BBC reported on Monday.

The high number of people breaking the law means the "key message still isn't sinking in", said Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity The RAC Foundation.

Road safety charity Brake called for the 200 pounds fine to be "significantly increased" to deter offenders.

"Driver distraction is a growing menace and it's worrying that drivers don't seem to be getting the message," the BBC quoted Brake spokesman Jack Kushner as saying.

Pressure to prevent drivers using phones intensified last year in the wake of several high-profile cases as well as research indicating it was widespread.

In October, lorry driver Tomasz Kroker, who killed a mother and three children while distracted by his phone, was jailed for 10 years.

In 2015, 22 people were killed and 99 seriously injured in accidents where a driver was using their phone.