01/12/2003

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.

The government plans to increase the penalty for the new offence by making it subject to three penalty points and a £60 fixed penalty. Primary legislation will be needed for this when a suitable opportunity arises to amend Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

David Jamieson, Road Safety Minister, said: "It is now illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. The vast majority of motorists know that driving and using a mobile phone is dangerous and I hope that today's ban will make the roads safer for everyone.

"You are four times more likely to be involved in an accident when using a mobile phone and driving - and this new offence will help make our roads safer."

Today's new offence applies to hand-held mobiles - but using any type of phone while driving increases the risk of having an accident. The police can use other powers to prosecute a driver if they are distracted by a call on a hands-free phone.

It has been reported that a driver in Tayside has been caught out already by the new law.

(gmcg)

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