POLICE in Redbridge have been slammed for issuing the least number of penalty charges to drivers using mobile phones.

In the last financial year, 2005/2006, just 50 fixed penalty notices were issued to drivers on Redbridge roads. That compares with 1,691 in Westminster, 910 in Waltham Forest and 513 in Newham.

Green Party members of the London Assembly have said Redbridge police should take more action against drivers using mobile phones.

However, police themselves have said the reason the number of issued penalties is so low is because their main priority is on reducing crime and making people aware of the dangers.

The figures were revealed following a formal question to Mayor Ken Livingstone posed by Green Party London Assembly member Darren Johnson.

Jenny Jones, Green Party member of the London Assembly, said: "Driving while using a mobile phone is incredibly risky and stupid behaviour.

"Police must take enforcement of this offence seriously across the capital, not just in a few areas.

"Stopping drivers who are using their mobile phone sends a clear message to the irresponsible minority that they can't expect to get away with putting people's lives at risk any longer."

On learning about the figures, Ilford North MP Lee Scott joked: "I am sure the people of Ilford North are the most law-abiding."

But he added: "There is no doubt that talking on a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and must be stopped. People shouldn't be doing it."

The Road Safety Bill, currently before Parliament and expected to come into force in the autumn, will increase the penalty for driving while using a mobile phone from a £30 fine to a £60 fine with three penalty points.

Inspector Nigel Nottidge from Ilford police said: "Each borough sets its own priorities in line with the wishes of the community as well as the requirements of the Metropolitan Police Service, the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police Authority.

"Crime reduction is a key aim of the borough, and Redbridge police focus the majority of our efforts to achieve these objectives, although officers will issue fixed penalty notices to drivers in appropriate cases.

"It is clear that the use of phones whilst driving can be extremely dangerous and drivers risk penalty points, a fine or, in certain cases, a summons to court if they contravene the legislation."