Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

Police in Merseyside have revealed the number of drivers it caught breaking the law by using a mobile phone behind the wheel in 2006.

The constabulary has stated that it found 8,800 people violating the rules in such a manner during the course of the year, according to the Liverpool Daily Post.

Department for Transport officials last year introduced new legislation under which motorists can be hit with a £60 fine and three-point driving licence penalty if they are found using their phone behind the wheel.

And it may be that a conviction has a serious effect on a car insurance policy, as cover firms could choose to increase costs if they see a driver as a liability.

"By alerting motorists to the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone, we hope to show the motoring public our commitment in enforcement of road traffic offences," commented chief inspector Chris Markey.

Figures from the Department for Transport show that 3,150 people were killed on highways in the UK during 2006.