More and more people are continuing to put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk by using mobile phones while driving.

Recent figures show an increase in the number of people caught using their mobiles while behind the wheel in the Bay of Plenty.

The number of people caught using their mobile phones whilst driving has soared in the Bay of Plenty. Photo: File.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Kevin Taylor says the figures show police enforcement has steadily increased from 2010 through to 2014, with numbers up to 874 from 278.

In the Western Bay of Plenty that number has gone from 138 in 2010 to 367 in 2014.

In 2012 there was a peak in the number of people snapped using their phones while driving, with a total of 380 people caught.

Kevin believes higher demerit points may be what is needed to deter people.

'Higher demerit points and loss of licence may provide the motivation some people need,” says Kevin.

'If those who habitually text and drive were exposed to the trauma our staff regularly see it would provide motivation enough to stop their behaviour.”

With the increase in the number of people flouting the laws on using phones while driving, people are calling for harsher penalties.

Kevin says fines are one method of getting people's attention.

'Clearly if people continue to text and drive or use their cell phones while driving, they show little regard for the law or the safety of others,” he adds.

'Having attended crashes and reviewed the files from fatal crashes where, but for the use of a cell phone, some people would still be alive, I find it hard to reconcile the absolute need people have to communicate balanced against the high risk they expose themselves and others to.”