Most Drivers Flout Phone Law

Daily Mail, August 2005
By Ray Massey, Transport Editor

Four out of five motorists are flouting the law banning the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving. Roadside researchers have discovered the activity has dropped by just 21 per cent since it was outlawed in December 2003.

The scientists, from the Transport Research Laboratory, observed 110,000 cars and 27,000 other vehicles at 38 sites, and recorded the phone usage of their drivers.

The researchers were given an electronic detector, which warned them that a mobile phone was being used in the immediate vicinity and they then made a visual check if the approaching drivers were holding the phone or using a hands-free kit.

Results were recorded before driving with a hand-held phone was made illegal, and then again sometime afterwards.

The report, produced on behalf of the Department of Transport's road safety division, says: “The level of hand-held mobile phone use has fallen by about 21 per cent. However, there is still substantial levels of use of hand-held phones that is now illegal.”

The use of hand-held mobile phones among drivers of vans and lorries is even higher. The report adds: “This is worrying as accidents involving these vehicles tend to be more severe.”

The results come as the Government prepares for a crackdown on drivers caught flouting the rules. The law currently outlaws hand-held phones. Hands-free kits are allowed provided the driver does not in any way pick up the phone – even if parked with the engine running or stuck in a jam.

Fines of £30 are issued for each offence but the new Road Safety Bill will double the fine to £60 and make hand-held mobile phone use an endorsable offence with three penalty points added to the driver's licence.

Research suggests that a driver using a mobile phone is four times more likely to be involved in a collision that a driver who is not.