Motorists support tougher penalties for mobile phone use

Drivers caught using mobile phones should receive harsher penalties, according to a survey carried out by GEM Motoring Assist.

GEM surveyed UK drivers to find out how they feel about the current penalties for motorists caught using mobile phones, asking if they are too lenient and whether they act as a serious deterrent.

91% of respondents said that penalties should be increased, with 90% saying that the fine should go up to £100, and 82% saying that offenders should receive six penalty points, not three.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM, said: “It’s interesting to see that drivers themselves believe that penalties are not severe enough. Driving while using a mobile phone can make motorists four times more likely to have a crash and reaction times 50% worse than when driving normally, making it one of the most dangerous laws to break on the road.

“Although having a mobile phone in your car for emergencies is advisable, we urge motorists to switch it off when driving to avoid distraction and the temptation to use it. We are working hard, in partnership with the National Campaign for Courtesy, to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone and have created a free leaflet on this issue to continue to make our roads a safer place.”