New official government data shows an increase in mobile phone use behind the wheel.

It comes hot on the heels of research published last week by Nextbase revealing that half of drivers admit to using phone behind the wheel.

Not observing the law

The government results come from an observation survey. This was carried out in the autumn of 2021 and found 0.8% of car drivers committing the offence. This compares to 0.6% in 2017 when penalties for mobile phone offences increased, doubling to six points and a £200 fine.

The RAC says when the Government stiffens penalties, there is a drop in offences. However “old habits begin to creep back in again”.

The breakdown organisation is also calling for the widespread use of mobile enforcement technology – similar to that being trialled by National Highways.

Return of detector vans

National Highways is trialing technology capable of automatically detecting mobile phone and seatbelt offences.

The ‘sensor test vehicle’, a van that sits stationary at the side of the road, is equipped with multiple cameras. It records footage of passing motorists providing evidence of offences.

Offenders are issued with warning letters, although the most serious cases may be prosecuted.

National Highways hopes the trial will provide a better understanding of driver behaviour across the road network.

“Sadly, there are still drivers who do not feel the need to wear a seatbelt, become distracted by their phones or travel too close to the vehicle in front,” says Jeremy Phillips, National Highways head of road safety.

“We want to see if we can change driver behaviour and therefore improve road safety for everyone. Our advice is clear; please leave enough space, buckle up and give the road your full attention.”

The detector van is being deployed in partnership with Warwickshire Police. It will be in action for the next three months.

Inspector Jem Mountford, Warwickshire Police, said: “We are really excited to see the impact that this new technology has on the behaviour of drivers in Warwickshire.

There is also the capability of kitting out the van with additional technology. This can included tailgating and the misuse of lanes on multiple lane roads.

 

Looking at the figures

The new government observational stats came from video captured at a total of 90 ‘stationary’ sites. These included traffic light junctions across England, Scotland and Wales.

They also found that 2.2% of HGV drivers were using a mobile phone, as were 1.9% of LGV drivers.

In terms of age, young car drivers (17-29 years) recorded the highest percentage (1.4%). This compares with 1.1% among middle-aged drivers (30-59 years) and 0.2% among older drivers (60 years plus).