The number of drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel has increased by nearly a third, according to Ministry of Justice figures.
The number of drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel has increased by nearly a third, according to Ministry of Justice figures.
Police in England and Wales issued 164,900 fixed penalty notices in 2006 - up 38,100 on the previous year.
Police in England and Wales issued 164,900 fixed penalty notices in 2006 - up 38,100 on the previous year.
Using a hand-held phone while driving became illegal in 2003.
Using a hand-held phone while driving became illegal in 2003.
Of 12.7m driving offences dealt with by police or local authority penalty charge notices, the largest group was 'obstruction, waiting and parking'.
Of 12.7m driving offences dealt with by police or local authority penalty charge notices, the largest group was 'obstruction, waiting and parking'.
The biggest group dealt with by police action was 2m speeding drivers, representing 40% of all the offences they dealt with. However the figure was eight per cent lower than 2005.
The biggest group dealt with by police action was 2m speeding drivers, representing 40% of all the offences they dealt with. However the figure was eight per cent lower than 2005.
The total number of driving offences dealt with by police action or penalty notices was 12.7m, down three per cent on the previous year.
The total number of driving offences dealt with by police action or penalty notices was 12.7m, down three per cent on the previous year.
More than 2,000 drivers were fined by magistrates for mobile phone use, and one was prosecuted in crown court.
More than 2,000 drivers were fined by magistrates for mobile phone use, and one was prosecuted in crown court.
Police action
Police action
The offence of using a phone at the wheel contributed to an ongoing rise in the number of careless driving offences, which has risen from 86,400 in 2003 to 233,600 in 2006.
The offence of using a phone at the wheel contributed to an ongoing rise in the number of careless driving offences, which has risen from 86,400 in 2003 to 233,600 in 2006.
The ministry's report said the figures showed a large number of police forces were taking action against phone users.
The ministry's report said the figures showed a large number of police forces were taking action against phone users.
The annual figures cover the number of motoring offences and breath tests dealt with by the police in England and Wales.
The annual figures cover the number of motoring offences and breath tests dealt with by the police in England and Wales.
Statistics are also included on penalty charge notices issued by local authority parking attendants.
Statistics are also included on penalty charge notices issued by local authority parking attendants.
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