More than half of UK van drivers still physically check their mobile phones while driving, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
It found 57% of van drivers admitted to the practice, despite a potential penalty of a £200 fine and six licence penalty points.
This figure was down from 64% in 2023, however in the new research one in 10 drivers also admitted to checking their phone ‘often’.
The illegal phone use happens despite 98% of drivers surveyed having access to hands-free technology in their vehicle, and 93% using this technology at least once during the working day.
VW also noted recent Department for Transport data showing van drivers were more than twice as likely to use their mobile phones while driving, compared with all other types of drivers.
