Drivers convicted of using mobile phone behind wheel doubles in just one year

The number of drivers convicted of using their mobile phone behind the wheel has doubled in just one year.

A total of 13,332 drivers were found guilty of using a phone behind the wheel last year, up from 6,990 in 2022, according to Ministry of Justice figures.

The increase in drivers caught using their phones behind the wheel comes in spite of a tightening of the rules by ministers in 2022.

It was made a crime to take photos or videos, scroll through audio playlists and play games on a mobile device while driving.

Earlier laws introduced in 2003 only outlawed making phone calls and texting while behind the wheel.

It also comes in spite of the average number of trips made by car and van drivers declining between 2019 and the year to June 2023.

‘Dumb to play while driving’

Jack Cousens, the head of roads policy at the AA, said: “While our phones have become smart, it is dumb to play with it when driving.

“The AA led the campaign for tougher enforcement and strong rules to stamp out this offence, but it seems too many fear missing out on their notifications,” he told The Times.

“The best thing to do is convert the glove box into a phone box and keep the mobile out of reach.”

Mr Shapps said when he was the then transport secretary: “I will do everything in my power to keep road users safe, which is why I am taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who decide to risk lives by using their phone behind the wheel.”

Anyone caught using a hand-held device while driving could receive a fine of up to £1,000 as well as six penalty points on their licence.

An RAC survey of 2,000 UK drivers conducted in March 2022 found that 43 per cent were not aware of the changes being introduced, with 45 per cent believing they would not be effective.

Using a phone as a satnav is still permitted provided the device is in a dedicated holder.