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17/11/2003
Drivers using mobile phones set to face fines
Road users have been warned today that they could face a £30 fine if caught using a mobile phone.
A new advertising campaign of nationwide radio and newspaper adverts will remind motorists that the new offence will come into force in two weeks time.
The new offence will take effect from 1 December 2003 and initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fixed penalty fine, which can be increased to a maximum of £1000 if the matter goes to court (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).
Government research has shown that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident if using a mobile phone. Using a mobile whilst driving affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk, the government said.
Hands-free calls are also distracting and drivers should be aware that they still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of their vehicle, for careless or even dangerous driving if use of a phone affects their driving in this way.
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said: "Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous - you are risking your own life and those of other road users. It's hard to concentrate when you are doing two things at once and any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message.
"By making it an offence to hold a mobile phone when driving – we will make the roads safer for us all. I urge drivers to remember: missing a call won't kill you - an accident quite possibly could."
The government is planning legislation to make it an endorseable offence, so that drivers will get three points on their licence each time they are caught holding a phone. The fixed penalty fine would then increase to £60.
Radio adverts will be running from 17 November 2003 and run for four weeks. Adverts will also be appearing in the national press around 1 December.
(gmcg)
A new advertising campaign of nationwide radio and newspaper adverts will remind motorists that the new offence will come into force in two weeks time.
The new offence will take effect from 1 December 2003 and initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fixed penalty fine, which can be increased to a maximum of £1000 if the matter goes to court (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).
Government research has shown that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident if using a mobile phone. Using a mobile whilst driving affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk, the government said.
Hands-free calls are also distracting and drivers should be aware that they still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of their vehicle, for careless or even dangerous driving if use of a phone affects their driving in this way.
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said: "Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous - you are risking your own life and those of other road users. It's hard to concentrate when you are doing two things at once and any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message.
"By making it an offence to hold a mobile phone when driving – we will make the roads safer for us all. I urge drivers to remember: missing a call won't kill you - an accident quite possibly could."
The government is planning legislation to make it an endorseable offence, so that drivers will get three points on their licence each time they are caught holding a phone. The fixed penalty fine would then increase to £60.
Radio adverts will be running from 17 November 2003 and run for four weeks. Adverts will also be appearing in the national press around 1 December.
(gmcg)
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11 December 2009
More Drivers Caught On Mobile
The number of people using mobile phones whilst driving has increased since tough penalties were introduced two years ago, according to an independent study. The Transport Research Laboratory found 2.8% of car driver used hand-held devices in their car this year. In 2006, prior to the implementation of fines and fixed penalty points, 2.
More Drivers Caught On Mobile
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