The number of people caught using their mobile phone whilst driving in Bristol has increased five-fold in the space of just four years. It has been an offence to use a mobile phone for making calls, sending messages or accessing the internet while driving in England, Scotland or Wales since 2003.
That rule was amended in 2022 though, with drivers caught holding and using a device for any reason (unless in an emergency) now receiving a penalty of a £200 fine and six penalty points, something called a CU80 endorsement.
The number of CU80 endorsements issued to GB drivers has risen from 6,431 in 2020 to 39,085 in 2023. That’s six times higher in the space of just three years.
There has also been a huge rise across Bristol. There were 448 CU80 endorsements dished out to drivers in the BS postcode area in 2023. That’s five times higher than the 90 endorsements back in 2020.
You can see how many drivers have been caught in your local area by using our interactive map.
The figures have come to light in response to a FOI request to the DVLA from the temporary car insurance experts, Dayinsure.
They found that while Bradford and London may be hotspots for drivers using their phones, those in Stockport are more cautious.
Bradford has the worst record in the country when you look at the number of drivers punished for using their phones while being behind the wheel. A total of 2,143 drivers in the BD postcode area received a CU80 endorsement on their licence between 2020 and 2023.
Commenting on the data, Nicholas Shaw, director of operations at Dayinsure, said: “Whilst it may be tempting to check your phone when it vibrates or lights up, even a brief distraction can have devastating consequences.
“Driving while using a phone diverts your attention from the road, making accidents more likely. It significantly impairs your ability to respond to unexpected situations and safely maintain control of your vehicle.
“A quick check of a message or social media notification is not worth risking your life for, or the lives of others. If you need to use your phone, find a safe place to pull over first and turn off your engine. Remember, the safety of everyone on the road is your responsibility.”
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “The use of a mobile phone is one of the main causes of death and serious injury collisions on UK roads.
“The distraction caused means it is considered one of the Fatal Five reasons, alongside speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, careless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“While many drivers will be aware of the dangers of using a mobile phone, sadly it is all too common that they are tempted to use it while at the wheel, thus putting themselves and others at risk of a collision. We suggest putting mobile devices out of reach so you cannot be tempted to check your messages or notifications while driving.
“We proactively carry out operations to detect motorists using a mobile phone while at the wheel and issue information to the public to remind them of their responsibilities so as to make the region’s roads as safe as possible.
“We also encourage members of the public to share any footage they have obtained showing such offences, which will be subsequently reviewed and appropriate action taken against the offenders. These submissions can be made online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/roads.”