The fixed penalty will for the first time include the award of three penalty points as well as doubling the fine to £60. Mr Alexander said: “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. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile. We have seen a groundswell of support for this move.
But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% 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.”
BusinessMobiles.com is raising awareness of both the change in penalties and the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This educational approach goes hand in hand with continued enforcement activity by the police.
| The Maximum fine is £1,000 |
Home Office figures for 2004 show that nearly 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving. If the police or the driver chooses to take a case to court rather than use a fixed penalty notice, the maximum fine is £1,000 or £2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).
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Section 26 of the Road Safety Act 2006 increases the fixed penalty for drivers using a hand held phone or similar device. This section is being commenced on 27 February, and the penalty will then rise from £30 to £60 and three penalty points. The same changes are being made to the penalties for not having proper control of a vehicle - a measure which can also be used where a driver has been distracted by using a hands-free mobile phones.
If the police or the driver chooses to take a case to court rather than use a fixed penalty notice, the maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches).
There have been a number of research reports identifying the danger of using any mobile phone while driving - for example, TRL Ltd’s report for Direct Line Insurance which demonstrated it is even more dangerous than drink driving.
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