Motorists 'still use mobile phones'

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A large number of motorists are still using mobile phones while at the wheel, despite the introduction of tougher rules three years ago, according to a survey.

The poll conducted by YouGov for car-parts company Halfords noted that drivers use hand-held mobile phones for texting, calling up the internet and checking Facebook and Twitter messages, in addition to making and receiving calls.

A total of 31% of 2,100 motorists surveyed admitted receiving a call while driving and more than a fifth said they had made a call.

Nearly three in 10 motorists read text while at the wheel and almost two in five sent a text.

The survey also found that 5% of drivers had read a post on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter when driving, while 2% sent an email or posted messages on Facebook and 3% read emails.

According the survey, 2% of motorists use the internet to check traffic reports and find directions while at the wheel.

Some drivers said that they use internet only in stationary traffic or at traffic lights, but even this is restricted by law.

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