The campaign breaks this week and was created by Euro RSCG London for COI Communications.
Two poster executions will appear for four weeks. In one, three intimidating inmates stare out of the poster, which reads "Want to join the gang?".
It then explains the new harsh penalty for being in possession of an illegal weapon.
The second poster shows a younger, streetwise-looking kid passing over his gun as if to get the viewer to take it from him. It reads "Would you do anything for your mates? How about five years?". It ends with the line "Carry anyone's illegal gun and you'll get five years".
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Although gun crime figures are relatively low, the number of young people who think it's cool to carry a gun seems to be on the increase. The message here is that this gun culture won't be tolerated and carrying an illegal gun has a price."
The campaign was written by Paul Williams and art directed by Pete Chesseman. Illustration is by David Foldvari. Media for the campaign was by the COI. The posters will appear in major cities on 48-sheet and six-sheet sites, as well as telephone boxes.
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