Ban threat for car phone use 10 | 11 | 2016
DRIVERS CAUGHT USING their hand-held mobile phones risk being banned from driving as a result of strict new laws being introduced at the start of 2017.
The new legislation will adopt the Government’s zero-tolerance policy on drivers using their phones by dropping the option for offenders to go on a remedial driving course.
The lowest penalty for drivers caught using their phone will be six points on their licence – double the current punishment. Fines will also double from £100 to £200.
Ministers are also said to be releasing a consultation on dangerous driving courses before the end of 2016.
Related: Tougher penalties for mobile use
While number of drivers in the UK caught on their phones has decreased by 84% since 2011, the offence has become one which is clearly not being policed as strictly as it should. Just have a look at traffic next time you’re out and take note of how many drivers you see driving with a mobile phone stuck to their ear.
Last week a Polish lorry driver was jailed for 10 years after he killed a family of four when he crashed into their car on the A34 while scrolling through music on his mobile phone.
Just hours earlier he had signed a declaration supplied by his employer stating he would not use his mobile phone when driving.
“Vocational drivers risk their livelihood, as many of our members already have in place a zero-tolerance for employees in breach of these rules,” Ian Gallagher, the Freight Transport Association (FTA)’s head of driver and vehicle licensing policy, said.
“These proposed changes should go some way towards making all drivers think about the consequences of their actions.”
Related: Buyers changing cars like phones
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Jim McGill