Additional reporting by George Nixon

Hundreds more men are breaking the law by using their mobile behind the wheel in Kent compared to women.

Shocking figures reveal men are nearly six times as likely to reach for their phone when they're on the county's roads.

And one expert believes he knows why the huge disparity has developed... because men think they can multitask!

Figures from a Freedom of Information request to Kent Police show the number of female drivers caught by officers using their mobiles last year was 120, compared to 703 men. One person did not want their gender recorded.

The request for the statistics comes from the University of Kent's student newspaper, the Kent Echo.

In 2015 some 115 women were stopped and 671 male drivers after they were spotted using their phones.

Last year drivers aged 29 were most likely to be pulled over.

Rod Dennis, a spokesman on road safety at the motoring group RAC, said the disparity could be down to more men thinking they can multitask compared to women.

"The figures do show more men in our area believe they can multitask by using a mobile phone as well as drive a tonne of metal around" - RAC spokesman Rod Dennis

He said: "The figures do show more men in our area believe they can multitask by using a mobile phone as well as drive a tonne of metal around. Perhaps more men than women believe they can do that than women.

"This problem is one that's getting worse and the threat that drivers pose is a serious one.

"Most drivers today are going to take a phone in their car so there is a lot that needs to be done to tackle this problem and there is no silver bullet.

"We can change the law and you could make the law tougher but if you don't feel you're going to get caught no amount of enforcement will help that.

"There's quite a big disparity between the number of men and women using mobile phone at the wheel.

"As mobile phones have become more and more prevalent people think they can do what they want on autopilot.

"The RAC has described this before as a problem of epidemic proportions."

The penalty for people caught on their devices while behind the wheel is a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

The deterrent is especially tough for new drivers as they lose their licence once they have collected six points.

Inspector Sam Pearson from Kent Police said: "Our officers regularly patrol roads across Kent to ensure they are safe for all road users and pedestrians.

"Where offences are identified, we do seek to educate drivers on the importance of not using a handheld mobile phone, or any other device, at the wheel.

"We will however take proportionate enforcement action when necessary.

"Mobile phone use is one of a number of traffic offences police officers will deal with throughout the course of their duties.

"Aside from the fact it is illegal, motorists who use their mobile phone when they are driving are putting themselves in danger, as well as other motorists and pedestrians, and that is unacceptable.

"The safety of the public using the roads is far more important than any phone call or text.

"New penalties came in on March 1, 2017 which mean you can get six penalty points and a £200 fine. If you’re a new driver you will also lose your licence."