Just 11 motorist stopped for using mobile phone

JUST a handful of motorists in Hinckley and Market Bosworth have been stopped by police for using a hand held mobile phone at the wheel since new tougher penalties were introduced.

Between March last year, when penalties increase, and September 2018 just 11 motorists in Hinckley and one motorist in Market Bosworth were caught by police illegally using a mobile phone in the car.

Police say the figures represent the tip of an iceberg and are calling for a change in culture.

Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership said, “Despite the increase in fine from £100 to £200, along with the an increase of three to six penalty points, far too many drivers still risk their own lives, and those of other road users, by distracting themselves by using a mobile phone. Leicestershire Police hold regular FATAL4 operations, across the police force area, which target mobile phone use along with non-seatbelt wearing, speeding and drink/drug driving.

“The number of local arrests is only the very tip of the iceberg in terms of these offences, what we also need to see is a societal change whereby using a phone behind the wheel is considered as anti-social as drink driving.”

Before March 2017 the punishment for using a hand held mobile phone at the wheel was three penalty points on the driver’s licence and a £100 fine. In March that went up to six points and a £200 fine. Those caught twice face a magistrates court appearance with the possibility of being fined up to £1,000 and banned from driving.

The law also became tougher for new drivers. Those caught using a hand held phone at the wheel within two years of passing their test facing losing their licence. Bus and lorry drivers faced tougher rules too - they were told they would be suspended from their jobs.

To use a phone in the car legally it needs either to be hands free or the car needs to be parked with the engine off.