A Department for Transport report has revealed that almost twice as many motorists were seen using a hand-held device while behind the wheel of a van compared to those spied in a car.

The figures show in 2014, 1.1% of drivers in England and Scotland were observed holding a phone in their hand with a further 0.5% observed holding the phone to their ear – this equates to more than 470,000 motorists.

A higher proportion of drivers in England and Scotland were observed using a hand-held mobile phone when stationary (2.3%) than in moving traffic (1.6 per cent).

It also showed more men than women use a hand-held phone, and that van drivers were the most likely group to be seen doing it at 2.7% - almost twice the rate for car drivers (1.4%).

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: “The results are very disappointing but not at all surprising.

"Campaigners routinely talk about the inherent dangers of the distraction caused by mobile phone usage, but drivers never believe they will be caught."

For more on this story read next week's Fleet News.

 

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