Using mobile when driving 'needs tougher penalties'

By Tom Farley, Tue 16 Feb 2010 - Published in Car Insurance

Car insurance customers think there should be harsher penalties for people who use mobile phones while behind the wheel, it has been found.

Research carried out by Direct Line discovered that 69 per cent of motorists would support increased fines or penalty points for those caught on their mobiles when driving.

The poll also showed that 16 per cent of drivers admit to making or receiving calls on a handheld mobile during the last year, while two per cent have surfed the internet or checked their emails.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line, said: "While its clear that the penalties for driving while using a mobile are being enforced, more needs to be done to deter motorists from this dangerous practice."

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, recently called for more high-profile policing to target people who continue to use mobiles when driving.

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