Stop phone use at wheel say drivers

Nearly a quarter of motorists want police to confiscate mobile phones used on the move, new figures show today. One in 10 also said motorists who use phones while in control of a car should be banned from driving.

Nine out of 10 motorists are so concerned about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving that they want the practice outlawed altogether, research from insurance company Direct Line reveals.

More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of 2,000 motorists questioned agreed that talking on a hand-held mobile was 'very distracting' and 92 per cent agreed that drivers should pull over to a safe place before receiving a call.

In addition to confiscation motorists backed punishments such as fines or points on the licence.

Janet Anderson, the Labour MP introducing a Bill making it an offence to use a hand-held phone while driving, said: "It must be made clear to drivers who insist on behaving in this way that they endanger the safety of the public generally and their own safety too." The second reading of the Bill will take place on 12 April.

Drivers using mobile phones can be prosecuted for "careless driving" if phone use results in driving falling "below the standard expected of a careful, competent driver".

This carries a maximum fine of £2,500.