Many drivers 'still use mobiles'

The survey suggests mobile use while driving remains common

Almost a quarter of drivers still use hand-held mobile phones to make quick calls while driving, a survey reveals.

And 8.6% of motorists admitted using a mobile regularly when driving, the whatcar.com survey found.

The survey questioned 1,000 motorists and seemed to contradict Department for Transport figures from April suggesting 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.

The latest survey also suggested that a further 8.8% of motorists admitted using hand-held mobiles but intended to stop doing so.

But 58.6% claimed they no longer offended in this way.

It is appalling that so many drivers put lives at risk by driving while using their mobile phones Mary Williams Brake

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."

But Mr Fowler said the findings pointed to dangerous practices on the nation's roads.

"It doesn't matter if you're only making a quick call - hand-held phones are dangerously distracting," he said.

Hands-free kits

"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."

Concerns were also voiced by Mary Williams, chief executive of road safety charity Brake.

She said: "It is appalling that so many drivers put lives at risk by driving while using their mobile phones.

"Driving is the most dangerous thing that most of us do on a daily basis, and it requires our full attention."