Road Safety Minister David Jamieson today reminded motorists that 2 weeks from now they face a £30 fine if caught holding a mobile phone and driving. The message coincides with a new advertising campaign to remind motorists of the new offence to hold a mobile phone. National radio adverts reminding people of the imminent ban start today.
The new offence will take effect from 1 December 2003. Initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fixed penalty fine, which can be increased to a maximum of £1000 if the matter goes to court (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses and coaches). Research has shown that you are four times more likely to have an accident if you drive and use a mobile phone. Using a mobile whilst driving affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk
David Jamieson said:
"Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous - you are risking your own life and those of other road users. It's hard to concentrate when you are doing two things at once and any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message.
"By making it an offence to hold a mobile phone when driving – we will make the roads safer for us all. I urge drivers to remember: missing a call won't kill you - an accident quite possibly could."
Notes To Editors
1. Research has demonstrated that if you drive and use a mobile phone you are four times more likely to have an accident. Hands-free calls are also distracting and drivers should be aware that they still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of their vehicle, for careless or even dangerous driving if use of a phone affects their driving in this way.
2. The Government is planning to legislate when a suitable opportunity arises to make it an endorseable offence, so that drivers will get three points on their licence each time they are caught holding a phone. The fixed penalty fine would then increase to £60
3. Radio adverts will be running from 17 November 2003 and run for four weeks. Adverts will also be appearing in the national press around 1 December.
4. A list of frequently asked questions about mobile phones and driving is available from the Department for Transport's website www.dft.gov.uk
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
