A company in County Durham has banned its employees from using mobile phones while they are at the wheel.

Workers at the 3M manufacturing plant in Newton Aycliffe have been told they cannot use mobiles, or even hands-free devices, while using their cars for business.

The company has been running a child safety road campaign since 2005, which has involved the distribution of 95,000 high visibility vests to young people in a bid to reduce the number of accidents on roads in the area.

Doug Mitchell, 3M’s managing director, said there is compelling evidence that using mobiles while driving impairs a motorist’s performance.

Katie Shephard, fundraising manager for the road safety charity Brake, agreed: "Research has shown that it is the phone conversation that distracts and kills, regardless of whether a hands-free kit is used or not."

She added: "We hope other companies will follow 3M’s lead and introduce this ban as part of their health and safety policy."