Police catch more drivers using mobile phones

6:57pm Wednesday 31st October 2007

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GOVERNMENT figures released today reveal a sharp increase in drivers caught using their mobile phones at the wheel.

The latest edition of Motoring Offences and Breath Test Statistics, published this afternoon by the Ministry of Justice, relates to offences committed in England and Wales in 2005.

The most marked increase in the number of motoring offences dealt with by police between 2004 and 2005 was in the "careless driving offences" category, which saw a 35 per cent jump. This reflects the large number of police force areas taking action against drivers who use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving, which became an offence on December 1, 2003.

A total of 129,700 instances were recorded nationally in 2005, and 126,800 fixed penalty notices were issued. This is an increase of 52,800 on penalty notices issued in 2004, and represented 88 per cent of all the fixed penalty notices issued within the "other offences" category.

On February 27 this year, harsher penalties for using hand held mobile phones whilst driving came into effect. Drivers now have their license endorsed by 3 points, and the fine has been raised from £30 to £60.

Andrew Keith, spokesperson for Thames Valley police (TVP), said: "The force does carry out roadside spot checks across the Bucks area, watching for motorists who use mobile phones behind the wheel."

Research has shown that drivers are four times more likely to have a crash if using a mobile phone whilst driving.

TVP has not been able to provide regional statistics for Bucks at this time.

Why are so many drivers still using mibile phones at the wheel? Read the Editor's Chair