DRIVERS BACK BANS FOR USING MOBILES

And 43% backed a doubling of the current £60 fine for those committing the mobile phone offence for the first time, the Autonational Rescue poll found.

Also, 31% wanted to see an increase in the number of penalty points issued for offenders - up to five points rather than the current three - and a total of 14% of the 1,000 drivers backed the idea of drivers doing community work if caught using mobiles.

Just 17% believed that current legislation was sufficient.

Breakdown service Autonational Rescue marketing manager Ronan Hart said: "It's a serious issue. Every year a dozen people are killed and hundreds injured with the blame placed on drivers using hand-held mobile phones.

"Drivers who flout the law endanger others, so anything that can be done to help prevent these deaths and injuries should be seriously considered."

A separate Autonational Rescue survey showed that 60% of drivers felt wheel clamping should never be used in a hospital car park.

As many as 65% said the first hour should be free for those parking at hospitals, while 50% wanted the first two hours free.