THE fact that 39 per cent of car divers did not know the penalty for using mobile phones was about to be doubled is really hardly surprising (“Drivers still not aware of higher penalties for using mobiles”, The Herald, February 27).

Clearly the previous penalty did not work and I serious question if this new penalty will have any meaningful effect.

What would cure the problem? Simple – when such an offence is committed, crush the car.

Alan McKinney,

10 Beauchamp Road, Edinburgh.