Drivers face mobile crackdown 22 | 12 | 2015
DRIVERS WHO USE their mobile phones when they're driving face fines of up to £150 and four penalty points if new Government plans are approved.
The Government will consider the new proposals, which will bring in bigger punishments as part of its Road Safety Plan, early in 2016. The proposals are targeted at those drivers who repeatedly re-offend.
A driver caught today using his or her mobile phone receives a £100 fine and three penalty points: this was increased from £60 in 2013.
If the new legislate is passed and introduced, not only will car drivers be hit harder, but HGV drivers would face the harshest punishment. If they’re caught using a mobile phone at the wheel, they'll collect six penalty points.
The reason behind the higher penalty for HGV drivers? It's designed to reflect how much more severe accidents involving HGVs can be.
But as is currently the case with speeding, first-time mobile phone offenders will still be offered an educational course rather than a fine.
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“Using a mobile phone while driving is reckless and costs lives," Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said. “The message is clear: keep your hands on the wheel, not your phone. If you keep taking calls at the wheel you could end up being banned from the road.”
Figures from the Department for Transport show that there were 1775 road deaths on UK roads in 2014, a 4% rise on the previous year. The use of a mobile phone was a contributing factor in 21 fatal accidents in 2014.
“This epidemic of hand-held mobile phone use while driving has already cost lives and drivers have demanded action," Edmund King, President of the AA, said:.
"Three quarters of drivers see others using mobile phones on some or most journeys, with one quarter seeing it on every journey according to our polls.
“The majority of drivers will welcome these increased fines and penalty points, alongside driver improvement courses, to tackle those who use hand-held mobiles at the wheel.”
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Jim McGill