9million drivers STILL flout new law on mobiles at the wheel

MORE than nine million motorists are still flouting the law by using their mobiles at the wheel, figures show.

Despite a crackdown that has doubled fines and points for those caught, the RAC said a ‘hard core’ of 9.2million continue to text, talk, tweet and even take photos and videos while driving.

This soars to 16million drivers when taking into account those who use their phones at the wheel in stationary traffic.

Since March 1, drivers caught using a hand-held phone have faced six points on their licence and a £200 fine – up from the previous penalty of three points and £100.

This change came after a campaign by the Daily Mail and the RAC about the dangers of using a phone at the wheel.

While 89 per cent of drivers surveyed said they were aware of the law change, 26 per cent of those who knew of the tougher penalties admitted to regularly using their devices behind the wheel.

This is down from 31 per cent last year but RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said the situation ‘remains dire’. He added: ‘It is clear we have a hard core of persistent offenders.’

Nearly 1,750 motorists were polled last September and again this summer after the tougher penalties came in, and the findings applied to total driver numbers.