Millions of motorists continue to use their phones at the wheel illegally despite increased penalties for doing so, according to new RAC research.

In September 2016 the RAC revealed that the illegal use of handheld mobile phones at the wheel to “snap, chat, text and tweet” had reached epidemic proportions. Days later the Government announced the penalty for the offence would increase to six points and a £200 fine. Now, the RAC’s Report on Motoring 2017 has found that 9.2 million drivers are continuing to break the law.

“Twelve months ago our research revealed that the illegal use of handheld mobile phones by drivers was at epidemic proportions – a year on and the situation still remains dire. Despite the law change and some high profile police enforcement campaigns we are in a situation where overall roads policing officer numbers are down on 2016 by a massive 30% since 2007,” said RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams. “It is clear we have a hard core of persistent offenders who believe they can get away with it by continuing to flout the law every day and we fear this may get worse with fewer dedicated roads policing officers.”

Of the nine in ten drivers who say they are aware of the tougher penalties for mobile phone use, 15% – equivalent to 5.3 million drivers – say it has not made them stop. Another 11% – equivalent to 3.9 million drivers – say it has curbed their illegal behaviour “a little”.

According to the research, illegal handheld phone is worse when vehicles are stationary, compared to moving, indicating that drivers think it is safe to interact with a phone when stopped in traffic.

“More has to be done to educate drivers that any use of a handheld phone at the wheel is both illegal and presents both a mental and a physical distraction that could ultimately cause a crash and the loss of life,” said Mr Williams. “The Government, and indeed all those who campaign on road safety, need to impress on drivers the dangers of being distracted at the wheel and the consequences of using a handheld mobile phone while driving.

“Drivers need to take more responsibility when they get behind the steering wheel and think seriously about whether choosing to pick up a handheld mobile phone is really worth the risk.”