04/10/2005

‘Small minority’ of drivers still using mobiles

A small minority of drivers are continuing to use hand-held mobile phones while driving, the latest government figures have revealed.

According to research conducted by the Department for Transport, 1.5% of car drivers and 2.4% of lorry and van drivers were spotted using hand-held phones while on the road.

The use of hand-held phones while driving was banned in December 2003. Drivers currently face receiving a £30 fixed penalty fine or a maximum £1,000 fine on upon conviction in court for committing the offence.

An informal government survey of police forces also found that over 50,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for the offence in England and Wales in 2004.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman warned that the penalty for using a hand-held phone while driving would increase to £60 and three penalty points under the new Road Safety Bill, which is currently before Parliament.

Mr Ladyman said: “Using a mobile phone while you’re driving makes you four times more likely to have an accident and it’s a shame that a small minority of drivers are still using their hand-held phones.

“Missing a call won’t kill you, but a road accident might. I urge people to switch off their phones while they’re driving to make the roads safer for us all.”

(KMcA/SP)

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