17.04.2015

Over 70,000 Fixed Penalty Notices Handed Out For Offence In 2014

Specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have said the problem of mobile phone use by drivers is still a concern for the police, despite the number of fixed penalties handed out for the offence falling in 2014.

According to a Freedom of Information request by the BBC, 72,753 fixed penalties were given to drivers for using mobile phones behind the wheel, down from 95,941 in 2013.

The Metropolitan police force issued the highest number of fixed penalty notices for the driving offence in 2014, handing out 22,729, while Staffordshire police issued just four.

While the number of people using the devices behind the wheel may be falling, the number of fixed penalties being issued still indicates there is a significant problem for police to deal with.

Andrea Burke, a Partner and serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

Expert Opinion

A simple lapse of concentration while driving can have massive consequences for other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists and while it is welcome the number of people being penalised for using mobile phones behind the wheel is falling, the practice is still an issue for the police with over 70,000 penalties being handed out in 2014. <br/> <br/>“Using a mobile phone while driving is a criminal offence and the distraction it can cause can lead to terrible consequences for the driver and other road users. We have seen through our work representing people seriously injured in accidents caused by mobile phone use the life-changing impact this offence can have. <br/> <br/>“It is absolutely vital drivers continue to think carefully about their safety and that of others while behind the wheel and to ensure they remain attentive at all times to prevent accidents and the terrible consequences they can have for all involved.