More than 200 people a day were caught using a mobile phone while driving in a police crackdown after laws were beefed up.
Police penalised almost 6,000 motorists – equivalent to one every seven minutes – in the four weeks after tougher punishments took effect.
Campaigners said the findings suggested many drivers were ignoring repeated warnings about the dangers of using phones at the wheel.
They said this was despite publicity campaigns, the risk of higher penalties and a number of high profile accidents in which the use of a mobile phone was considered a contributory factor.
Since March 1, drivers caught using their mobile phones while driving can receive six points on their licence and a £200 fine, double the previous penalty.
What’s more, new drivers risk losing their licence if they get caught.
The Metropolitan police registered the highest number of prosecutions (2,037), meaning more than 70 drivers a day were caught using a handheld phone on London’s roads.
Thames Valley police recorded the second largest total (478), followed by Police Scotland (339), Hampshire police (280) and Cheshire police (224).
Stupid things some were doing when they were caught:
- One man was doing his online banking while driving on the M5 near Birmingham
- Norfolk police stopped a woman who was responding to a message about her lost puppy being found
- A silly trucker drove a 7.5-tonne lorry around a roundabout in Bournemouth
- A driver was on his phone while behind the wheel of a school minibus with 10 children on board in Manchester.
Using a mobile phone while driving “as bad as drink driving”
Police say they want to make using a mobile phone while driving as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, Anthony Bangham, said: “Drivers need to understand that this is not a minor offence and you will be prosecuted under new, tougher penalties.”
Problems caused by being caught using a mobile phone while driving
Any motoring conviction can lead in increased insurance premiums and being prosecuted for using a mobile phone while driving is no exception.
But here at Adrian Flux we don’t believe that a convicted driver will necessarily continue to be a more reckless or dangerous driver, in fact, our research shows the opposite can be true as they have learned their lesson.
In many cases motorists potentially facing a driving ban because their points are totting up are more conscious of the possible effects of being convicted of a further motoring offence. The result might have a catastrophic affect on their life, losing a job for example.
If you find yourself in this position, contact us for a competitive quote.