§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment the Government have made of the number of people using mobile phones while driving, since the publication of the White Paper "Tomorrow's Road—safer for everyone". [24297]
§ Mr. JamiesonThree observational surveys of mobile phones use while driving have been carried out for the Department by TRL Ltd. The latest survey, carried out in October this year, showed that 2 per cent, of the 27,900 drivers observed were using a mobile phone. 85 per cent, of the phones observed in use were hand-held.
852WThe surveys are carried out at road junctions at the same time as the seat belt wearing surveys and may not be representative of the extent of mobile phone use by drivers on all roads. Proposals for more detailed surveys are currently being considered.