Eight London boroughs have been found to have the highest number of drivers caught using their mobile phones at the wheel, according to new data.

It comes as the temporary car insurance experts at Dayinsure submitted an FOI request to the DVLA to explore mobile phone while driving offences (officially known as ‘CU80 endorsements’).

Considering the number of local full driving licence holders, eight of the 10 locations featured on the list were in London alone.

Among the London boroughs featured on the list was Ilford where one in every 182 drivers were caught on their phone.

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Along with Romford seeing one in every 188 drivers on their phone and Kingston upon Times the number was slightly higher at 243 drivers.

The number of offences in 2023 (820) was over four times higher than in 2020 (168).

Mobile phone offences per local licence holders – UK’s top 10 (2020-2023)

  1. Bradford – one in every 163 drivers
  2. Ilford – one in every 182 drivers
  3. Romford – one in every 188 drivers
  4. Twickenham – one in every 225 drivers
  5. North West London – one in every 235 drivers
  6. Kingston upon Thames – one in every 243 drivers
  7. Southall – one in every 248 drivers
  8. South West London – one in every 248 drivers
  9. East London – one in every 261 drivers
  10. Medway – one in every 262 drivers

What's checked in an MOT?

In 2020, the DVLA reported that 6,431 licence holders were fined for using their phones while driving, while the latest data showed this had risen to a staggering 39,085 total offences (in 2023) – the equivalent of 107 per day.

Since 2003, it has been an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device for making calls, sending messages or accessing the internet while driving in England, Scotland or Wales.

However, following a rise in road traffic accidents involving drivers using mobile phones, the law was amended and from March 25, 2022, drivers caught holding and using a device for any reason (unless in an emergency) have been given a penalty of a £200 fine and six penalty points.

This means an offender would lose their licence after just two offences, and for new drivers who’ve held a licence for less than two years, a single offence would lead to a driving ban.

In 2020, the DVLA reported that 6,431 licence holders were fined for using their phone while drivingIn 2020, the DVLA reported that 6,431 UK licence holders were fined for using their phone while driving (Image: HighwayStarz/Getty)Recommended reading:

Commenting on the data, Nicholas Shaw, director of operations at Dayinsure, said: “Whilst it may be tempting to check your phone when it vibrates or lights up, even a brief distraction can have devastating consequences.

“Driving while using a phone diverts your attention from the road, making accidents more likely. It significantly impairs your ability to respond to unexpected situations and safely maintain control of your vehicle.

“A quick check of a message or social media notification is not worth risking your life for, or the lives of others.

“If you need to use your phone, find a safe place to pull over first and turn off your engine. Remember, the safety of everyone on the road is your responsibility.”