News

On 1 March 2017 the penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving doubled to a £200 fine and six points.  One year on the Department for Transport have reported that more than 26,000 motorists – including 500 novice drivers who had their licences revoked – have been caught using a mobile phone since tougher penalties came into force.

One year on THINK! is highlighting the chances of being caught in a series of adverts which will run on radio, social media, on demand video and in shopping centres, as part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Almost 2,000 motorists – 74% of whom were male – were handed fines as part of a national crackdown between 22-28 January, organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Chief constable Anthony Bangham, NPCC lead for roads policing, said: “In the year since the new legislation was introduced, we have started to see changes in driver behaviour as the public begin to understand the impact that driving whilst using a mobile phone can have.

“However, there are still far too many people underestimating the risk that they take when using their mobile phone at the wheel.”