Hand-held mobile phone fines rise by a third in a year,
while speeding fines at an all-time high – AA comments
Following the release of Home Office data today showing that
fines for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving increased
by 33% in 2023, while the number of speeding tickets issued
across England and Wales reached a record high of 2.7 million*,
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said; “We are
incredibly concerned that drivers using hand-held mobile phones
behind the wheel has risen by a third in a year. While this shows
that officers are rightly targeting the offence, drivers are
still far too tempted to play with their phones when driving.
“At the same time, cases of careless driving have risen by 18%
and speeding fines are at an all-time high. Drivers need to know
that forces are applying the law and bad behaviour will be caught
either in person or on camera.
“While cameras and new technology have an important role to play
in road safety, these stats clearly show that we need more cops
in cars to police the roads. Yesterday, the Prime Minister said
he would hire 13,000 new officers, PCSOs and Special Constables.
At least 1,000** should become traffic officers to help improve
road safety and stop poor driving in the act, before something
tragic occurs.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Police powers and
procedures: Roads policing, to December 2023 - GOV.UK
(www.gov.uk)
** AA Calls For More Traffic
Police | AA (theaa.com)
