London ‘the worst’ in the country for using your phone while driving convictions

Eight of the ten worst spots for mobile phone driving offences in the UK are located in and around London.

In the last four years, across London as a whole, one in every 252 local drivers has been booked for illegally using a mobile phone while behind the wheel.

This means that London’s offending rate is 69% higher than the national average, which is one in every 427 drivers.

The data comes from Dayinsure who submitted a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA to explore mobile phone while driving offences (officially known as ‘CU80 endorsements’).

In total, 18,603 London motorists have been caught using their phone behind the wheel since 2020.

Ilford drivers were the worst in the capital and were caught 1,211 times for using a mobile phone while driving from 2020-2023. The number of offences in 2023 (398) was over six times higher than in 2020 (59).

Mobile phone offences per local licence holders: UK top ten (2020-2023)

1. Bradford – One in every 163 drivers

2. Ilford – One in every 182 drivers

3. Romford – One in every 188 drivers

4. Twickenham – One in every 225 drivers

5. North West London – One in every 235 drivers

6. Kingston upon Thames – One in every 243 drivers

7. Southall – One in every 248 drivers

8. South West London – One in every 248 drivers

9. East London – One in every 261 drivers

10. Medway – One in every 262 drivers

In 2020 across the UK as a whole, the DVLA reported that 6,431 licence holders were fined for using their phone while driving, while the latest data showed this had risen to a staggering 39,085 total offences (in 2023) – the equivalent of 107 per day.

Since 2003, it has been an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device for making calls, sending messages or accessing the internet while driving in England, Scotland or Wales.

However, following a rise in road traffic accidents involving drivers using mobile phones, the law was amended, and from 25th March 2022, drivers caught holding and using a device for any reason (unless in an emergency) have been given a penalty of a £200 fine and six penalty points.

This means an offender would lose their licence after just two offences, and for new drivers who’ve held a licence for less than two years, a single offence would lead to a driving ban.

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.”