A Department for Transport survey has found the number of drivers using hand-held mobile phones at the wheel has decreased.
The fall, says the DfT, is 40%.
Just 1% of car drivers were observed using a hand-held mobile while driving. This compares to 1.7% last year, the August survey found.
“Since February, drivers illegally using their mobile phone have risked three points on their licence and a £60 fine. The government introduced this tough penalty to stamp down on mobile phone use at the wheel. This survey suggests more motorists are getting the message,” commented Jim Fitzpatrick, Road Safety Minister.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving was made illegal in December 2003.
The Road Safety Act 2006 increased the fixed penalty for using a hand held phone from 27 February 2007. The penalty rose from £30 to £60 and three penalty points.
“We expect these results reflect people not using phones at all, but also the growing number of drivers using hands free kits,” commented Steve Colling, corporate sales and marketing manager, Honda.
“More and more business users who need to make calls from behind the wheel are opting for technology – such as Honda’s HFT Bluetooth equipment – which allows drivers to use mobile phones safely while on the move.”
Further information
- Go to our Law section for The law and mobile phones.
40% cut in drivers breaking mobile phone law
