Government clamps down on those using mobiles while driving

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The government is aiming to drive down the number of motorists who illegally use their mobile phones while operating their vehicles by doubling the fine and ensuring perpetrators don't come away from the incident with a clean driving licence.

From February 27, those caught in the act will be awarded three penalty points as well as having to cough up £60, a hefty hike from the previous fine of £30.

The aim is to make the current law, introduced in December 2003, more of a deterrent as although people are aware of the current penalties for violation, many still continue to use their phones, breaking the law and putting themselves and others in danger, according to Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander.

Home Office figures back up Alexander's concerns that although drivers can hear the law, they're not actually listening.

In 2004, almost 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of mobiles while driving, according to the official statistics.

"We have seen a groundswell of support for this move," said Alexander.

"But, worryingly, while 92 per cent of people agree with the law, 21 per cent of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27 February, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of three points on your licence as well as a £60 fine.

"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well."

If the police or the driver decides that the case should be escalated to a court rather than issuing the fixed penalty notice, the maximum fine payable is £1,000 for car drivers and £2,500 for those in charge of buses, coaches, lorries and vans.

As well as having implications for individuals, the changes also affect businesses.

More and more people are using their mobiles for work purposes, whether they are given a corporate device or not, and this places increased importance on ensuring that organisations have the correct policies and procedures in place to convey what is and isn't appropriate usage.

"Health and Safety Legislation in the UK places legal duties on employers to provide their employees with a safe working environment and to take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure the safety of their staff and of others that they come into contact with while working. This applies to employees driving or riding on the road in the course of their employment," states a study, published by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), entitled The Risk of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving.

The report continues: "As part of their overall management of work related road safety, employers should, therefore, be providing their employees with clear guidance on the use of mobile phones while driving."

In line with the penalty revision, the Department for Transport has also launched a campaign to educate users about the changes and ensure they are aware of the potential implications of using their phones while on the road.

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