Penalty points for mobile-using drivers
Using a mobile when driving could soon result in a £60 fine and penalty points
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Monday, 22, Jan 2007 03:44
Drivers caught using mobile phones while at the wheel face having three penalty points on their licence under new laws revealed today.
Transport secretary Douglas Alexander said today that, as of February 27th, motorists will also be fined £60 if found using hand-held phones, a doubling of the previous fine.
The public will be made aware of the changes to the rules through a campaign publicised on radio, TV and online, he added.
"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations," the minister said.
"It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two 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."
Mr Alexander went on to say that research suggests that although 92 per cent of people agree with the law, 21 per cent of drivers admit to breaking it.
"That is why, from February 27th, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of three points on your licence as well as a £60 fine," he said.
Road safety campaign group the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) has welcomed the move.
"Far too many motorists have been ignoring the mobile phone law and risking their own lives and those of others on the roads around them," Kevin Clinton, the society's head of road safety, said.
"We believe the threat of points on a licence and an increased fine will give this legislation new teeth, because those irresponsible people, who think their call is more important than someone's life, are likely to take the threat to their licence more seriously."
According to the Home Office, almost 74,000 fixed-penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving during 2004.
But the Liberal Democrats have called for greater enforcement of the laws, claiming that only one per cent of drivers who use phones are being punished.
"I welcome the government's announcement to increase the penalty, but this will mean nothing without proper enforcement," Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said.
"Driving while on the phone can be extremely dangerous, and it is concerning that so few drivers are being caught."