- 57% of UK van drivers still physically check their phones while driving, an offence under Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, according to research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
- This means the majority of van drivers are risking a £200 fine and six penalty points
- With the average number of hours van drivers spend in their vehicles increasing by 27.9% year-on-year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ urges drivers to prioritise safety, offering a range of smart tech features to help drivers work on the go
Milton Keynes, UK (22 August, 2024) – Over half (57%) of UK van drivers still physically check their mobile phones while driving1, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles research. This is despite the most recent update to Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, banning the use of all handheld devices behind the wheel and an increased fine of £200 fine and six penalty points.
While the proportion of van drivers checking their phones has reduced by 7% versus 2023 – in which 64% of UK van drivers confessed to checking their phones2 – 1 in 10 still admit to not only doing so while driving, but doing so “often”.1
Demonstrating the scale and ongoing prevalence of the issue amongst the UK’s van drivers, a recently released Department for Transport survey found that van drivers are more than twice as likely to use their mobile phone while driving, compared to all other types of drivers.3
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research confirmed that the decision to ignore mobile phone driving laws is not the result of a lack of available hands-free technology. In fact, 98% of respondents stated that their vans have in-built technology to support hands-free driving, with almost all (93%) using the technology at least once during the working day.1
While it remains to be seen what’s causing so many drivers to continue breaking the law at some stage during the day, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is urging van drivers to go hands-free while on the road.
As the hours UK van drivers spend in their vehicles continue to increase – rising from an average 4.88 hours per day in 20222, to 6.24 hours in 20231 – it’s more important than ever that drivers make the most of the technology available. Doing so not only improves road safety, but also allows drivers to work on the go.
To optimise customer convenience and safety, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles fits a Bluetooth® hands-free kit as standard across all its models. Paired with its range of digital services – including We Connect and App-Connect – which enable drivers to make calls, access apps and navigate via voice control, drivers can get back to business all without taking their eyes off the road.
The survey also indicates that many van drivers are transitioning to such technology, with 82% making up to 10 hands-free calls per day.1
John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “While there’s still a large number of van drivers ignoring the mobile driving laws at some stage throughout the day, it’s positive to see that van drivers are, for the most part, using hands-free technology while on the road. Every new Volkswagen van is packed with useful in-cabin tech such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the ability of voice control, allowing drivers to maintain their eyes, and focus, on the road at all times.”
For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and
services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
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Notes to Editors
1 Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in December 2023, covering 2023 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
2 Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in February 2023, covering 2022 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
3 Department for Transport survey, published May 2024, covering Autumn 2023. More information can be found here.
About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:
Over 70 years ago, the first Transporter arrived in the UK, creating a blueprint which others would follow: a van which gets the job done efficiently and reliably. Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a diverse model range of commercial as well as passenger carrying and lifestyle models – from the compact Caddy, the evergreen Transporter and sturdy Crafter panel vans, dropsides and tippers, through the Multivan passenger carrier, and Caddy California, new California and Grand California campervans, to the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo all-electric models, and the Amarok. The vehicles are as versatile and dependable as Volkswagens have always been, but the range is now wider, and more connected, modern and safer than ever.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to working in partnership with individuals and businesses, providing them with the best products and aftersales support, whether they’re buying one or a thousand vans. For more information visit
www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
Press contact
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team
Laura Bignall 07557 758617
Jess Bowden-Eyre 07734 855245
Amy Allen 07983 535116
Press and Public Relations
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Yeomans Drive
Blakelands
Milton Keynes
MK14 5AN
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