Convictions for traffic offenses in England and Wales increased in 2016, continuing a trend which began in 2014, according to IAM Roadsmart.

Speeding is still one of the most common motoring convictions.

The latest Government figures (for 2016) showed convictions increased by 6% last year, from 646,000 to 667,000, with just over half (51%) those prosecuted for speeding or insurance offences.

This represents a 19% uplift on 2013’s record low, with the biggest percentage increase found in dangerous driving convictions (up 52%, to 5,235), while failure to supply driver identity is also on the increase.

However, drink driving convictions were down 10% since 2013 (to 39,000), while mobile phone convictions totalled 13,847 – a 57% reduction compared to 2011’s figures. IAM Roadsmart said this reflected a combination of targeted enforcement, electronic surveillance and a new focus on traffic policing.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “Even though there is a long way to go, an increased certainty of conviction might get some drivers out of the mindset of thinking they can get away with drink or drug driving or using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel of a car.”