100,000 crimes occurring throughout the day on Britain’s roads

Motorists who talk on hands-free phones are more dangerous than drink-drivers, experts have warned. Drivers using the legal alternative to hand-held mobiles are 30 per cent slower to react than those slightly over the limit, tests found. And for up to ten minutes after a conversation their reflexes remain dulled, according to the Transport Research Laboratory.

Its study suggests that millions could be unwittingly risking their own and others' lives while obeying the law on phone use in a vehicle. The road safety charity Brake said the findings reinforce its calls for a complete ban on all phone use while driving.

The AA's research shows that at any one time, 100,000 motorists are flouting this law, risking a minimum penalty of three points on their licence and a £60 fine.