Recent data from the Home Office indicates a significant increase in speeding fines, as well as a dramatic rise in the number of drivers caught using mobile phones while driving.
In 2022, nearly 2.5 million drivers were subject to fixed penalties, driving awareness courses, or court appearances.
Since the introduction of stricter regulations against using mobile phones while driving in March 2022, the number of drivers breaking this law has surged by 93% annually.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, commented, “Almost 3 million drivers faced consequences for their behaviors on the roads. With speeding reaching record levels, it serves as a timely reminder that the best regulator of speed is the driver’s own foot.”
He added, “The tightening of laws regarding handheld mobile phone use has led to a significant increase in fines and points issued. The AA spearheaded the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of using the phone while driving, and now we urge drivers to put down their phones while on the road.”
Furthermore, Home Office data reveals a 33% increase in offenses related to disobeying traffic signs and pedestrian rights from 2021 to 2022, following the revision of the Highway Code in January 2022. These changes included a better protection for pedestrians and a road user hierarchy.
Operation Snap and Increased Surveillance
The rising use of dashcams in cars and cameras worn by cyclists and horse riders has boosted the effectiveness of Operation Snap in catching reckless driving.
With more citizen-owned cameras capturing evidence of dangerous driving, the likelihood of drivers being caught has significantly increased. This has been reported to police forces across the UK.
Cousens emphasized, “With the proliferation of dashcams and cameras on riders, drivers who act recklessly should be aware that they are being watched. Police forces are using this footage to hold drivers accountable and as evidence for prosecutions.”
“While police and private cameras are valuable tools for catching bad driving, we must not solely rely on technology,” he added. “Increasing the number of traffic officers and their visible presence on our roads is the best way to deter illegal driving behaviors.”