Closed petition Increase penalties for driving while holding or using a mobile phone

Closed on 13 November 2021

I want the Government to take the offence of holding or using a mobile phone, for texting or any other purpose, while driving more seriously by making penalties on a par with drink-driving, with a mandatory driving ban for anyone caught.

I regularly witness drivers either holding a phone to their ear while driving, or looking down at their laps while they are texting and driving. This behaviour is now commonplace and the likelihood of being caught is low. 6 points and a £200 fine is an insufficient deterrent and does not reflect risks posed to other road users, with cyclist, motor-cyclist and pedestrians being particularly vulnerable. Penalties should attract similar penalties to those risk that apply to drunk-drivers.