More than a third of respondents to a new IAM RoadSmart survey would support the police confiscating a motorist’s mobile phone if they were caught using it illegally behind the wheel.
A survey of 2,437 IAM RoadSmart members, carried out in February 2024, found that 34% support the idea of the police confiscating mobile phones for a short period – with 27% believing offenders should pay to get their phone back.
This would be an additional punishment to the existing £200 fine and points endorsement.
A further 7% support confiscation but do not think offenders should pay to get their phone back. A small majority (56%) were unconvinced that taking a phone was appropriate.
When asked if they feel the current £200 fine and six points on the licence is a sufficient punishment, half (51%) said it is about right, with 42% believing it is too lenient. Just 4% said the current penalty is too harsh.
Those feeling the status quo is too lenient were asked what a more appropriate penalty would be, with the most popular alternative (selected by 34%) being an instant six-month driving ban and an unlimited fine. This was followed by a £1,000 fine and six points on a licence (supported by 20%).
The figures have been published alongside a separate survey from IAM RoadSmart (members and non-members) showing almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents believe that driver distraction such as talking and texting at the wheel is a bigger problem than three-years ago.
A large majority of respondents (80%) consider others’ illegal phone use as a threat to their own personal safety, with a quarter (24%) now believing it to be a top-three priority for roads policing.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, said: “Using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel is illegal and dangerous and many drivers want police forces to prioritise enforcement against these offenders.
“Moreover, the idea of confiscation of phones and paying an additional fine for its return has the backing of a surprisingly sizeable number of drivers.”
To deter offenders, IAM RoadSmart is calling on the Government to review fine levels – as well as type-approve new camera technology.
Nicholas Lyes added: “While we are never going to see a cop on every corner, camera technology is already being trialled in some parts of the country and could be rolled out nationally subject to Home Office type approval and the final trial findings.
“The Government should review the fine level alongside type-approving new camera technology to improve detection.
“These actions should be supported by a renewed high-profile education campaign highlighting the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving and consider the merits of offering more training courses.
“We also think social media companies have a responsibility to review policies and remove content as soon as possible when drivers post videos of themselves breaking the law.
“Ultimately, we need to break the cycle of phone addiction once drivers get behind the wheel as it is a serious distraction that can have tragic results.”
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