Homers News : The number of drivers caught on phones is reduced by 47% after change in law

The number of drivers caught on mobile phones has dramatically reduced after a change in the law last year new police data suggest. Around 39,000 fixed penalty notices were issued between the months of March and December last year compared with 74,000 in the same period the year before.

Severer punishments were enforced after the figure was at a dangerously high level in 2016. Since March 1^st 2017 motorists caught using a handheld mobile device faced receiving 6 points on their license and a £200 fine which doubled the previous punishment of 3 points and a £100 fine. A driver can lose their license if they receive 12 points within 3 years. New drivers who are most likely to use phones can face losing their license and having to re-take their test if they are dealt 6 or more points within their first two years of driving.

AA president Edmund King said: ‘It will take time for a wholesale change in attitudes to really take effect. ‘While some have got the message and changed their behavior, many drivers still believe they won’t get caught.’

Separate RAC research found that nearly one in five (19 per cent) firms say their employees have been involved in an accident after using a phone illegally while driving for work.

This is great news for Motorists, however new drivers should especially remember not to check their phones or take calls when driving. Here at Homer’s Driving School we teach students and pupils to be safe on the road and minimise the risk of an accident and loss of license. Make sure you don’t face losing your license and stay off your phone whilst driving. Distracted drivers using their mobile devices, accounted to 780 people’s injuries in 2016.