One in five people use mobile phones while driving, new research finds

The percentage of people who believe it is "acceptable" to take a call on their mobiles while driving has doubled from 7 per cent in 2014 to 14 per cent in 2016

Illegal mobile phone use by drivers is rising, according to new research (PA)

The number of people using their mobile phone while driving is on the increase, new research has found.

One in five people has admitted using their phones over the past twelve months, according to a survey of 1,714 British drivers.

In addition, the percentage of people who believe it is "acceptable" to take a quick call on their mobiles while driving has doubled from 7 per cent in 2014 to 14 per cent in 2016.

The survey found 14 per cent of British drivers have admitted to taking photos or videos while driving and 22 per cent admitting to taking photos or videos while in stationary traffic.

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “There is clear evidence that the illegal use of handheld phones by drivers to talk, text, tweet, post, browse and even video call is, if anything, on the increase.

"It is alarming to see that some drivers have clearly relaxed their attitudes to the risks associated with this behaviour but more worryingly is the increase in the percentage of motorists who actually admit to using a handheld device when driving.

"The fact that drivers have little or no confidence that they will be caught when breaking these laws is a likely contributor to the problem and it is sadly the case that every day most road users see other drivers brazenly using their handheld phones when in control of a vehicle – a sight which should be a thing of the past."

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has promised to take "tough action" against the "unacceptable practice" of using mobile phones while driving cars.

Mr Grayling told MPs: "I am very clear that this is an unacceptable practice.

"It's one in which we intend to unveil shortly tough action on it."

The Transport department is due to publish the results of a consultation which set out plans for tougher punishments for illegal mobile use by drivers.

The minimum fine for non-HGV drivers is expected to rise from £100 to £150 while penalty points are set to increase from three to four.

Labour MP for Exeter, Ben Bradshaw has suggested such an increase in the fine would be "a totally inadequate response to this deadly menace on our roads".