No grace period for Hume drivers caught using mobile phones as increased ...

HUME'S top cop has warned there will be no grace period for drivers caught using ­mobile phones when penalties increase next week.

From Monday, drivers caught using a mobile phone face a $433 fine (up $144) and the loss of four demerit points (previously three).

Hume Inspector Geoff Kedge said the focus was on driver distraction, a big factor in collisions.

'In my view, it's (mobile phone use) the biggest contributor to driver distraction,' Insp Kedge said.

'We see it as just another tool in our armoury to make the roads and Hume a safer place, not just for drivers but for pedestrians.'

Victoria Police figures show the number of fines ­issued to residents across Hume in 2012-13 was 2867, higher than Melton, Moreland and Whittlesea.

Insp Kedge warned drivers not to be complacent or think they were invincible on the road.

'There's plenty of lessons out there of people who thought the same way - a lot of families or victims who suffer needlessly because of   that sort of attitude,' he said.

'Use of the phone via text is a category of offence that we will be targeting our continued efforts (on) with the road toll and making roads safer.'

He said there would be a significant increase in police enforcement in the weeks leading up to Christmas.