A consultation on banning drivers from using hand-held mobile phones has been
announced. Research has shown that drivers are four times more likely to have
an accident if they are using a mobile phone.
The consultation seeks views on the possible introduction of a ban on hand-held
phones and asks for opinions on issues such as what, if any, exemptions might
be needed.
Road Safety Minister, David Jamieson said:
"We know that driving a vehicle whilst using a hand-held mobile phone is
dangerous. Our recent advertising campaign has increased awareness of the dangers
of this and the police already prosecute those irresponsible drivers who insist
on using their mobiles. But there is still a core of motorists who are ignoring
these warnings."
"We are therefore consulting widely on introducing a specific offence of
driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. This should leave no-one in any
doubt that we are serious about the dangers that this practice presents to drivers
and all road users. We are keen to see contributions from as many people as
possible to help decide the way forward."
Recent figures suggest that nearly three quarters of adults in this country
own or use a mobile phone.
