Two thirds of drivers want tougher penalties, Direct Line says

Direct Line claims that over two thirds (69%) of British motorists would support measures to increase the number of penalty points or increase fines for drivers caught using a mobile while behind the wheel.

  • Nearly half a million drivers have penalty points for mobile phone offences
  • nearly one in ten (9%) motorists who have penalty points has received points for a mobile phone offence
  • Almost 700,000 motorists surf the net and check emails while driving
  • Drivers' reaction times are 30% slower when talking on a hand-held mobile phone compared to being at the legal drink drive limit

If motorists who have penalty points for a mobile phone offence had received six penalty points on their licence rather than three points, nearly half (47%) would now have at least nine points on their licence and could be facing a ban for a further offence.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line, said: "The drivers that we spoke to would like to see these inconsiderate drivers penalised further for their selfish and dangerous driving habits. Direct Line would support harsher fines and more points as a way of keeping the roads safe."

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