Fines fail to stop drivers talking whilst driving

January 9th, 2012

Car insurance providor swiftcover.com has uncovered evidence that the outlawing of using mobile phones whilst operating a vehicle seems to be having the opposite effect on actual driving behaviour.

A freedom of information request revealed that the number of FPNs (fixed penality notices) issued for using mobile phones is actually higher than in 2006, which was before the tougher measures for the offence were introduced. One in five drivers (around 18%) admit to driving using a mobile phone in the last year. This could imply that the legislation is simply not being enforced properly, but a massive £10m worth of FPNs have been dished out in the last 12 months alone.

The social media explosion since 2007 seems to be having more of an effect on behaviour with 1.5 million drivers admitting they have used a mobile phone to access social networking sites when driving.

Robin Reames, chief claims officer at swiftcover.com, commented: “It’s clear that current measures to stop motorists using their phones while driving simply aren’t working. An irresponsible but substantial minority of motorists are continuing to flout laws and endanger others, all for the sake of a phone call that could be taken at another time.”

Original legislation was put in place in 2004, before harsher measures including a doubling of the fine to £60 and a possible three points on your license were brought in to drive the message home.

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