Despite being four times more likely to have an accident whilst driving using a hand-held mobile phone, a recent study in London has shown that the number of motorists using them has increased sharply. 

The study of over 14,000 motorists in London, driving cars, vans and taxis, found that between 2008 and 2009 more people drove whilst using their mobile phone than in 2006, the year before the higher fixed penalty (£60) was introduced in February 2007.  This increase has lead road safety campaigners to urge ministers to increase the fine for using a mobile whilst driving to £1,000.

Nick Freeman, a solicitor known as "Mr Loophole" said:  "The prospects of being caught are remote.  The use of mobile phone is a massive distraction, whether hands-free or not.  The Government should give serious consideration to a blanket ban of the use of such devices while driving."

Full story - The Independent 12/12/09
                Times Online 11/12/09