Drivers could soon face tougher enforcement for using mobile phones while driving, as new research reveals strong public support for UK-wide AI cameras designed to catch offenders.
Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are warning motorists to think twice before reaching for their phones, as the technology launches in Scotland, and public backing grows for expansion across the UK.
The new camera technology is being deployed in Scotland for the first time to monitor the number of drivers who use mobile phones behind the wheel. The six-month trial across 12 locations aims to collect data on the scale of the problem to inform future enforcement strategies.
New survey data from the car insurance experts at Quotezone shows that 81% of Brits believe the rest of the UK should follow suit, highlighting growing concern about the dangers of distracted driving.
More than half of drivers (54%) say they’ve noticed an increase in other motorists using mobile phones, which suggests the problem may be becoming more prevalent on UK roads.
Yet despite the risks, some drivers admit to occasional lapses. While 65% say they never use their phone while driving, others admit to quick map checks (10%) or to answering or rejecting calls (9%).
Smaller numbers admit to using phones at traffic lights out of boredom (3%), checking notifications (3%), changing music (2%) or even sending texts (1%).
These findings come as tougher enforcement measures are being explored to tackle dangerous driving behaviours.
In England, using a mobile phone while driving can lead to six penalty points and a £200 fine, and drivers who receive six points within two years of passing their test will automatically lose their licence.**
Reassuringly, public attitudes suggest passengers are increasingly willing to challenge risky behaviour. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of people responding to the Quotezone survey said they would call out a driver for using their phone while driving.
Motorists are also being reminded that failing to follow mobile phone laws can have long-term financial consequences beyond fines and penalty points. Drivers caught using their phones risk higher insurance premiums for years to come, as insurers may view penalty points and convictions as evidence of increased risk.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving remains one of the most dangerous distractions on the road, yet research shows many drivers are still guilty of quick checks.
“With AI cameras being tested to detect offenders, motorists should expect enforcement to become much stricter in the coming years. A single conviction for mobile phone use can lead to six penalty points, a fine, and higher insurance premiums.
“It’s encouraging to see that most people would challenge a driver using their phone, but prevention is key – staying focused behind the wheel protects lives, licences and long-term motoring costs.
“It’s important to realise just how dangerous it can be to get distracted, and help make mobile phone use a thing of the past for the safety of all road users.”
It’s sensible for drivers to pre-empt any distractions, store phones in the glove box, set calls and messages to do not disturb and programme any directions needed before setting off.
As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products, such as van, fleet and car insurance.
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