Drivers continue to use mobile phones at wheel despite tougher punishments

Dozens of motorists have continued to flout the law despite tougher punishments for those who use mobile phones at the wheel.

Stricter laws were introduced on March 1 last year, which meant any driver caught using their phone – or another device such as a tablet – would receive six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Motorists who had passed their test less than two years after being caught would lose their licence and have to re-take their theory and practical tests.

A total of 25 drivers from the Advertiser region were caught between March and October, just two fewer than the same period last year.

However, the figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, showed that numbers fell throughout the year. While seven drivers received six points and a £200 fine in March, just one motorist was caught in both September and October.

None of the drivers had less than two years’ experience, so no licences were revoked.

Mr Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said he wanted to see greater enforcement of the offence.

“Research shows that using a phone behind the wheel affects reaction times as much as drink driving, increasing the chances of a fatal crash.

“Tougher laws are a big step forwards, but they must be accompanied by rigorous enforcement if they are to work.”

Motorists can use hand-free devices but cannot move or pick up the device at any time. Police can still pull over drivers if they believe the motorist is being distracted by their device.