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UK News - Breaking news in the field of health and safety
Stakes and fines raised for phone driving
The Department for Transport has announced new penalties for motorists breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
S.26 of the Road Safety Act 2006 increases the fixed penalty for drivers, this section is being commenced on 27th February 2007, from which date the penalty will rise from £30 to £60 and 3 penalty points. The same changes are being made to the penalties for not having proper control of a vehicle - a measure which can also be used where a driver has been distracted by using a hands-free mobile phone.
If the police or the driver chooses to take a case to court rather than use a fixed penalty notice, the maximum fine will now be £1,000 (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).
Mobile phone use while driving was demonstrated to be even more dangerous than drink driving, see TRL Ltd's report for Direct Line Insurance.
By common observation, the law rivalled the former legal requirement to have a dog license as the most disregarded by the British public.
Comment:
"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do 2 things at once and do them well. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile.
We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27th February, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of 3 points on your licence as well as a £60 fine." - UK Transport Secretary.
23.01.07
