I also see people using handsets every day, and just saw a poll where 44% of young people admitted to texting while driving.

Hiking up the fines to a much higher level is not the answer.  It is not a deterrent for the wealthy, it's just an easy source of revenue and I think we all know that is the main reason for increasing fines for motoring offences.

Since mobile phone use in known to be dangerous, why not make the penalty fit the crime so it is a proper deterrent?  I would say that if people are caught using mobile phones then BAN them for driving for a month in the first instance, and longer if they are caught again. 

And the same if their speed is excessive.   I don't mean doing 34mph in a 30mph zone - I don't condone it, but I bet almost every driver in the UK has crept over 30mph at some point or another, especially going downhill.  I have been behind police cars and ambulances who are not in a hurry but have moved away from me when I have been doing 30, so they were breaking the speed limit.  I don't see the point of increasing the fine for going slightly over the limit because for most people it is not intentional and those Driver Awareness Courses are a good reminder.  However, if their speed is clearly excessive and shows no intention by the driver to observe the limits, then forget the points system, just ban those people from driving for a month too, and longer for subequent offences.  

I have never understood why it is legal for people to buy gadgets that detect speed cameras.  When they first came out more than a decade ago it was the wealthy with fast cars who bought them, no doubt so they could speed knowing that they will get a warning sound when a speed camera is coming up.  Speeding is dangerous, and I don't see much evidence that it is taken seriously when it is legal to buy a warning system - I gather some sat navs have them now. 

IMO it's about time that there was a proper deterrent to stop people driving without regard for safety.  At least banning them from driving for a period would inconvenience them, and I think a better solution than just hitting their bank accounts, epecially when that means nothing to some motorists.