New Mobile Phone Laws

The tough new law regarding the use of a mobile phone whilst driving comes into effect in just over a month on Tuesday 27th February. Anyone caught using a handheld phone in their vehicle without hands free equipment will automatically receive three penalty points and a £60 fine.

As part of the Road Safety Act, the new legislation will also apply to those with hands free equipment if they’re deemed by the police not to have proper control of their vehicle.

The current penalty of a £30 fine is viewed as too weak a deterrent by the government with many drivers still openly flouting the law.

The Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said “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 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.”

The Road Safety Department “Think!” has singled out companies, reiterating the potential dangers of encouraging employees to drive while on the phone. It says: “If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive calls while driving.

“It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.”