Big drop in fines for drivers using mobile phones
RAC says motorists no longer fear police action
The number of motorists fined for using mobile phones while driving in Kent has plummeted over the past five years.
Figures released by the government show more than 4,000 motorists received penalties for using phones at the wheel in the county five years ago – compared with just over 200 last year.
Motoring group RAC says the figures indicate that the scale of the handheld mobile phone epidemic “has been allowed to sweep across the country largely unchallenged”.
However, the force says motorists caught using mobile phones are also dealt with in other ways, including being offered the opportunity to take driver awareness courses.
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams says: “The simple truth is the problem is undeniably getting worse, with fewer and fewer people being caught.”
RAC research released in September showed the number of motorists who think it acceptable to make a quick call doubled from 7% in 2014 to 14% in 2016, while a fifth believe it is safe to check social media on their phone while stopped in traffic.
“Attitudes are clearly relaxing as a result of drivers no longer fearing punishment,” said Mr Williams.
The government has pledged to impose tougher penalties from next year, but the RAC says it will not be enough to change attitudes.
“Law-abiding motorists who see others using a handheld phone at the wheel, putting lives at risk, want to know the law is being enforced,” said Mr Williams.
“With a 27% decline in full-time roads policing officers since 2010 and little chance of an increase in numbers in the near future, we need to see all police forces giving greater priority to the enforcement of this offence.”
A police spokesman said: “The reduction in fixed penalty tickets is due to a number of factors.
“Our principal aim, and one that is in line with guidance from the National Police Chief’s Council, is to make our roads safer by improving driver behaviour.
“This is done in many cases by offering drivers an opportunity to attend a driver awareness course to make them a better, safer driver, rather than simply issuing a fine.”
Across England and Wales, 123,100 fines were given out to drivers using their phones, dropping to just 16,900 last year, an 86% fall over five years.