THE father of Liberty Baker said his family were delighted after government sources revealed tougher sanctions for drivers using mobile phones at the wheel would be brought in.

Ministers plan to double the punishment for illegal mobile phone use, raising it to six penalty points and a £200 fine.

The new plans would also mean new drivers would lose their licence the first time they are caught using a mobile phone.

It comes just days after Paul Baker, whose daughter Liberty, 14, was killed by a dangerous driver two years ago, said he would not rest until stricter penalties for drivers caught using phones were enforced.

Mr Baker, of Thorney Leys in Witney, said he was pleased with the news, but hoped the fine could be increased to £500.

The 48-year-old added: "We are delighted with the points increase, it should act as a deterrent.

"Hopefully it will re-focus the police and the public. Years ago phones were just phones, nowadays you have social media, emails and so many other distractions for people.

"Whilst they are driving they are glancing at them and it only take second to lose concentration and it could end up in disaster like what happened to Liberty.

"It should be socially unacceptable and should not be tolerated."

Liberty died when she was hit by a car driven by Robert Blackwell in June 2014.

Blackwell, who was jailed for four years after admitting causing death by dangerous driving, received a text message moments before his car mounted a kerb in Curbridge Road in Witney and struck The Henry Box School pupil.

On Friday Transport Secretary Chris Grayling pledged to introduce the stricter punishment as soon as possible.

He said: "As technology develops, mobile phones are common place, but we need to take responsibility for our actions and as drink or drug driving has become socially unacceptable, so must using mobile phones at the wheel."

Motorists caught using a mobile are currently given three penalty points and a minimum £100 fine.