mobileu.co.uk

More drivers flouting mobile phone law

Despite the introduction of penalties for drivers who use their mobile phone behind the wheel, the number of offenders has doubled in the past two years.

A study unveiled today by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) shows that, out of 12,000 cars and taxis and 2,500 vans surveyed in 33 locations across London, 2.8 per cent of drivers were speaking on mobile devices.

That compares to 1.4 per cent found guilty of the same offence in 2007, the year a £60 fine and three penalty points became the punishment for the crime.

According to the TRL's researchers, female drivers under the age of 30 are most likely to be found talking on their mobile phone behind the wheel, while men between 30 and 59 are more likely to use hands-free kits.

Commenting on the findings, Automobile Association president Edmund King suggested that the current level of law enforcement "is low".

In the wake of the TRL's research, road safety charity Brake has called for "more enforcement of the mobile law".

"Quite clearly, people think they won’t get caught," said a spokesperson. "Perhaps the fines should rise from the current level of £60 to something like £500 to £1,000."