Menu
24/06/2003
Government clamps down on drivers using mobiles
Driving while using a hand-held mobile phone will soon be a offence punishable with a £1,000 fine, Road Safety Minister David Jamieson announced today.
The new offence, which takes effect from December 1 2003, would initially see offenders subject to a £30 fine – which can be increased to a maximum fine of £1000 if the matter goes to court.
There also plans to link the offence to the penalty points scheme, so drivers could also face the prospect of having three points put onto their licences.
Mr Jamieson said: "Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous. We are all too familiar with the sight of people driving along while holding and talking on their mobile phones. Any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message. It affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk.
"Our decision to introduce this new offence will make the roads safer for us all. Missing a call won't kill you - an accident quite possibly could."
The government claims that research suggests there is a fourfold rise in the accident rate for drivers using mobiles phones as opposed to those who do not.
The hands-free option is not an alternative for the government, which believes that this is also a distraction.
Drivers have also been warned today that they will face prosecution if they drive recklessly or without due care – most particularly whilst using a mobile phone.
During consultation on the issue last year, more than 1,000 responses were received and 88% were broadly in favour of the introduction of the new offence.
(GMcG)
The new offence, which takes effect from December 1 2003, would initially see offenders subject to a £30 fine – which can be increased to a maximum fine of £1000 if the matter goes to court.
There also plans to link the offence to the penalty points scheme, so drivers could also face the prospect of having three points put onto their licences.
Mr Jamieson said: "Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous. We are all too familiar with the sight of people driving along while holding and talking on their mobile phones. Any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message. It affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk.
"Our decision to introduce this new offence will make the roads safer for us all. Missing a call won't kill you - an accident quite possibly could."
The government claims that research suggests there is a fourfold rise in the accident rate for drivers using mobiles phones as opposed to those who do not.
The hands-free option is not an alternative for the government, which believes that this is also a distraction.
Drivers have also been warned today that they will face prosecution if they drive recklessly or without due care – most particularly whilst using a mobile phone.
During consultation on the issue last year, more than 1,000 responses were received and 88% were broadly in favour of the introduction of the new offence.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 December 2003
Drivers face fines for using mobiles from today
Starting today, motorists could face fines of up to £30 for using a hand-held mobile phone when driving. The new offence takes effect from today and initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum fine of £1000 if the matter goes to court.
Drivers face fines for using mobiles from today
Starting today, motorists could face fines of up to £30 for using a hand-held mobile phone when driving. The new offence takes effect from today and initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum fine of £1000 if the matter goes to court.
04 November 2005
Many drivers still using mobiles, report claims
Nearly a quarter of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while driving, a new survey has revealed. A study of 1,000 motorists by whatcar.com found that 24% of drivers admitted to using a hand-held phone to make quick calls while driving, while 8.6% said that they used one all the time. The survey also found that 8.
Many drivers still using mobiles, report claims
Nearly a quarter of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while driving, a new survey has revealed. A study of 1,000 motorists by whatcar.com found that 24% of drivers admitted to using a hand-held phone to make quick calls while driving, while 8.6% said that they used one all the time. The survey also found that 8.
04 October 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.
‘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.
27 February 2007
Stiffer penalties for mobile phone drivers
Motorists detected using their mobile phone while driving will face stiffer penalties from today. A £60 fine and three points can be imposed. But those sent to court may get up to a maximum fine of £1000, or £2,500 in the case of a bus or goods vehicle, and face the prospect of disqualification.
Stiffer penalties for mobile phone drivers
Motorists detected using their mobile phone while driving will face stiffer penalties from today. A £60 fine and three points can be imposed. But those sent to court may get up to a maximum fine of £1000, or £2,500 in the case of a bus or goods vehicle, and face the prospect of disqualification.
18 November 2013
Call For Drivers To Tune In To Road Safety
A national campaign launched today by the charity Brake at the start of Road Safety Week calls on drivers to tune in to road safety, to prevent appalling crashes caused by multi-tasking at the wheel.
Call For Drivers To Tune In To Road Safety
A national campaign launched today by the charity Brake at the start of Road Safety Week calls on drivers to tune in to road safety, to prevent appalling crashes caused by multi-tasking at the wheel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
