The government is warning motorists that they face tougher penalties if they break new careless driving laws.

Coming into effect on Monday August 18th, the laws are intended to enable courts to imprison drivers who cause deaths while not paying attention.

Using mobile phones, drinking and eating, applying makeup and any other distractions will now be considered by courts when sentencing motorists.

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Under the Road Safety Act we have already brought in tougher penalties for drivers who use hand-held mobile phones at the wheel and the introduction of these new offences today is the latest step to tackle bad driving and further improve safety on our roads."

Motorists caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel can already receive a fixed penalty and points on their licence, which can impact upon their car insurance premiums.

In May, Central Scotland Police launched a campaign to improve road safety in the region ahead of the summer.

Officers targeted motorists using hand-held mobile phones, those failing to use a seatbelt and speeders.