Commercial drivers still breaking the law

Van and HGV drivers are the worst offenders when it comes to using a mobile phone whilst driving new research has revealed.

Although the study found that the umber of car drivers using handheld mobiles had fallen by 40% to just 1% of motorists, many commercial drivers are still breaking the law.

The study conducted by TRL on behalf of the Department for Transport found that 2.4% of van and HGV drivers still use their phone when driving.

This is despite a change in the law in February, which raised the penalty for using a handheld phone while driving to three points and a £60 fine.

The Government introduced this tough penalty to stamp down on mobile phone use at the wheel and this survey suggests more and more motorists are getting the message, said road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

Using any mobile phone when driving is distracting – it stops you giving the road your full attention and slows reaction times.

Research shows it can make a crash four times more likely, so it is vital motorists do not use their phones while driving, he added.

The observational surveys were conducted at 30 sites in the south-east of England and involved 10,000 vehicles.

Observers used electronic devices that detect the microwave radiation emitted by both handheld and hands-free mobile phones.