27 January 2017
Speaking at this week's roads policing conference, Constable Jayne Willetts, the Police Federation's roads policing lead, has suggested that giving the police powers to seize mobile phones being used illegally by drivers could act as a deterrent.
Mobile phone use behind the wheel is so prevalent, that law-abiding drivers are getting more frustrated with offenders.
It’s got to such a level that a recent AA survey of 19,000 drivers found that:
- Two thirds (65%) would support the police seizing the mobiles of offenders and retaining them.
- Two fifths* of drivers would like police officers to smash the phone of those caught doing so in front of their eyes.
- A cheeky 44% also advocated that the police should text all the contacts in the phone with the news that the individual had been caught by the police using their mobile while driving.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “Whilst some of these measures may sound extreme it does show the strength of feeling of the public.
Six points means that drivers within two years of passing their test will lose their licence and have to re-sit their test
“We actually believe that the Government’s intention of doubling the penalty points to six and increasing the fine to £200 will be effective if enforced. Six points means that drivers within two years of passing their test will lose their licence and have to re-sit their test. One text and they will be out."
The AA is also working on a hard-hitting campaign to tackle mobile phone use behind the wheel which will be launched soon.
* Populus received 19,317 responses from AA members to its online poll between 15th and 22nd November 2016. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.