Menu
19/12/2003
Mobile phone used while driving to be an offence in NI
New measures to make using a hand held mobile phone when driving an offence will come into effect in Northern Ireland on 1 February 2004.
The move was announced today by Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar and Environment Minister Angela Smith.
Outlining the measures to make the use of hand held mobile telephones while driving a specific offence, Mr Spellar said: "These new measures will be in place in Northern Ireland from 1 February 2004 and will attract a £30 fixed penalty, or a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction in court.
"There is no doubt that driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous, putting both the driver and other road users at risk. I have been working closely with my Ministerial colleague Angela Smith, to bring forward new regulations to mirror provisions on the use of hand held mobile phones whilst driving which were introduced in Great Britain on 1 December. Work is progressing to implement the regulations in Northern Ireland as soon as possible.
"The new regulations are a positive step towards reducing road traffic casualties and creating this new offence sends out a strong signal that the Government will not tolerate the use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving."
The new provisions follow a wider consultation on road traffic which was launched by Des Browne earlier in the year.
These new measures form part of the Government's wider strategy to improve road safety in Northern Ireland and to tackle the problems of dangerous and careless driving. Next month will see penalties increased from ten to fourteen years for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving through drink and drugs.
(MB)
The move was announced today by Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar and Environment Minister Angela Smith.
Outlining the measures to make the use of hand held mobile telephones while driving a specific offence, Mr Spellar said: "These new measures will be in place in Northern Ireland from 1 February 2004 and will attract a £30 fixed penalty, or a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction in court.
"There is no doubt that driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous, putting both the driver and other road users at risk. I have been working closely with my Ministerial colleague Angela Smith, to bring forward new regulations to mirror provisions on the use of hand held mobile phones whilst driving which were introduced in Great Britain on 1 December. Work is progressing to implement the regulations in Northern Ireland as soon as possible.
"The new regulations are a positive step towards reducing road traffic casualties and creating this new offence sends out a strong signal that the Government will not tolerate the use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving."
The new provisions follow a wider consultation on road traffic which was launched by Des Browne earlier in the year.
These new measures form part of the Government's wider strategy to improve road safety in Northern Ireland and to tackle the problems of dangerous and careless driving. Next month will see penalties increased from ten to fourteen years for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving through drink and drugs.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 September 2024
Mobile-First Approach: Online Casinos Prioritising Smartphones
Because of the increasing use of mobile devices, other industries are now beginning to adopt strategies that are suitable for smartphone users. The above finding also applies to the online casino industry.
Mobile-First Approach: Online Casinos Prioritising Smartphones
Because of the increasing use of mobile devices, other industries are now beginning to adopt strategies that are suitable for smartphone users. The above finding also applies to the online casino industry.
04 September 2024
New Guidance On Mobile Phone Use In Schools
Education Minister, Paul Given, has issued new guidance to support school leaders in restricting the personal use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including at break and lunch times. Many schools in Northern Ireland already have mobile phone policies in place that restrict their use during the school day.
New Guidance On Mobile Phone Use In Schools
Education Minister, Paul Given, has issued new guidance to support school leaders in restricting the personal use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including at break and lunch times. Many schools in Northern Ireland already have mobile phone policies in place that restrict their use during the school day.
29 May 2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
10 February 2005
Fines slapped on 8,200 phone use drivers in NI
Over 8,200 drivers have been fined for driving while using a mobile phone, police revealed today.
Fines slapped on 8,200 phone use drivers in NI
Over 8,200 drivers have been fined for driving while using a mobile phone, police revealed today.
02 February 2004
Police to show 'yellow card' to mobile motorists
Police are set to show the ‘yellow card’ to drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone while driving on Northern Ireland's roads. From 1 February new legislation prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Police to show 'yellow card' to mobile motorists
Police are set to show the ‘yellow card’ to drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone while driving on Northern Ireland's roads. From 1 February new legislation prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
