THE Pucklechurch mother of a schoolgirl killed by a driver using a mobile phone has said new legislation does not go far enough to tackling the problem.

Rebekka Hudd, 11, was knocked down in 1996 while delivering a paper round in the village.

The driver, who was six seconds into a mobile phone call when he hit Rebekka, was given a £250 fine and six points for careless driving.

Rebekka's mum, Lynda has since campaigned for stricter laws and enforcement to stop motorists using their mobiles at the wheel.

She said: "I welcome the new law because it is a step in the right direction.

"But not enough is still being done to prevent further accidents like what happened to my daughter.

"People out there still keep on using there mobiles in their cars, thinking they are above the law until tougher laws are put into place."

A recent Government campaign promoting the new law emphasised how drivers are four times more likely to have an accident while using a mobile phone.

Lynda warns businesses and drivers of the dangers of using their mobile phones.

She said: "Every time I see someone behind the wheel on their phone it hurts after all I have gone through.

"No-one should use their mobile phone at any time in any context while driving.

"It is the height of selfishness to risk people's lives for the sake of a call."

As part of her campaign, Lynda works with RoadPeace, a national charity for road traffic victims, and Brake, a road safety charity.

Brake welcomes the increased penalty but fears the penalties will do little to deter drivers from using their mobile illegally while driving.

It is calling for the fine to be raised to £1,000 and police to be given the power to confiscate mobile phones.

Jools Townsend, head of education at Brake, said: "Driving is the most dangerous activity most of us do on a daily basis, and requires complete concentration.

"The crash that killed Rebekka Hudd shows the potentially devastating consequences of being distracted at the wheel.

"Mobile phones continue to cause deaths and injuries on our roads, and while we are glad the penalty has been increased, the new penalties do not go far enough."