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Mobile use 'more widespread than government thinks'

Almost a quarter of drivers still use hand-held mobile phones to make quick calls while driving, according to a recent online survey by whatcar.com. And 8.6% of respondents admitted using a mobile regularly when driving.

The survey questioned 1,000 motorists and seems to contradict DfT's figures from April, which suggested that just 1.5% of drivers still use mobiles.

What Car? group editor Steve Fowler said it was clear mobile use is 'more widespread' than the government thinks. "We'd like to see a hands-free kit provided with every new phone sold by law, and more traffic police on the roads to enforce mobile phone laws, which will eventually put penalty points on licences," he said.

Responding to the findings, road safety minister Stephen Ladyman said: "I'm pleased that the results still show that drivers who think it's acceptable to use their phones without stopping are in the minority. We stand by our survey work as an objective way to monitor use. We'll also be monitoring annual prosecution figures."