Wiltshire Police Crack Down on Mobile Phone Usage While Driving

Strategic Insights -

Wiltshire Police have taken a strong stance against mobile phone usage while driving, issuing over 2000 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and fining drivers over £400,000 in the past two years. The menace of distracted driving has been on the rise, with 632 FPNs issued between April 2024 and March 2025 alone. The law against handheld device use while driving, in place since 2003, has been made stricter in the past three years, with a £200 fine and six penalty points for offenders who fail to pay. Furthermore, 17 road traffic accidents were reported in 2023 and 2024, where mobile phone usage was a contributing factor, resulting in injuries and fatal consequences.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wiltshire Police have issued over 2000 FPNs for mobile phone usage while driving since April 2023, fining drivers over £400,000.
  • 632 FPNs were issued between April 2024 and March 2025.
  • The law against handheld device use while driving has been in place since 2003 and was made stricter three years ago.
  • Offenders who fail to pay the fine can face prosecution in court, resulting in a fine of up to £1,000.
  • 17 road traffic accidents were reported in 2023 and 2024, where mobile phone usage was a contributing factor.
  • The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) found that 46% of drivers consider talking on a phone while driving as the most distracting task, followed by applying make-up or shaving at 42%.
  • Admitted supervisor of a provisional learner was fined for not paying attention to the road while their learner was driving.
  • RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis warned of the catastrophic consequences of distracted driving.

Statistics:

  • 632 FPNs were issued between April 2024 and March 2025.
  • Over £400,000 in fines were issued for mobile phone usage while driving in the past two years.
  • 17 road traffic accidents occurred in 2023 and 2024 where mobile phone usage was a contributing factor.
  • 46% of drivers consider talking on a phone while driving as the most distracting task.
  • 42% of drivers consider applying make-up or shaving while driving as a distracting task.
  • 5 fines were issued to the supervisor of a provisional learner in May 2024.

Sources:

  • Wiltshire Police
  • Advertiser, June 3
  • The Royal Automobile Club (RAC)