Almost 300 people have been caught holding a mobile phone while driving today. A special operation is being carried out by gardai around the country today and tomorrow to clamp down on the offence.

The aim of the operation is to make drivers aware of the dangers of using a mobile while driving and to detect offending motorists.

Gardai say the use of a mobile phone by drivers remains a significant issue, with over 28,000 incidents last year.

New laws are on the way from next month which make it an offence to send or read a text message - or to even hold or touch a mobile phone while driving.

Under the legislation, making a call or holding a phone will result in 2 penalty points and a €60 fine payable with 28 days. This increases to 4 penalty points and a €90 if paid within 28 to 56 days.

The Regulations make it an offence to send or read a text (including SMS, MMS or e-mail) from a mobile phone while driving. Sending or reading a text but does not include anything done without touching the phone, or through voice activation.

The offence is punishable on conviction with a fine of up to €1,000 for the first offence.

Gardaí say the aim of this 48-hour operation is to educate drivers on the risks of using their phones behind the wheel.

What is being called a "targeted mobile phone enforcement operation" aims to make drivers aware of the dangers of using a mobile phone as well as detect offending motorists.

The gardai say provisional figures from a previous national mobile phone operation in March 2014 saw a 300% increase in detections above the average daily detection rate.