Mobile Phone Reviews
 
 
New Mobile Rules for UK Motorists

Tue, 27 Feb 2007

Penalties for motorists using hand-held mobile phone while driving will go up by £30 to £60 from 28 February 2007.

Using any type of mobile phone in a car while driving can not only be very dangerous but a person is more likely to have a crash. For the first time drivers who will get caught using hand–held mobiles will also get three penalty points on their license as well as the fine.

The courts can hand out a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 with regards to a driver of a bus, coach or goods vehicle and offenders could even be disqualified from driving.

According to research by the Department for Transport more than 90% of people agree with the change to the mobile phone law and around 20% of motorists admit to breaking it.

RAC executive director Edmund King said, "Motorists need to change their mobile habits. The best advice is to switch off the phone in the car as new research has shown that even using a hands-free phone can increase the risk of a crash.

"If drivers must make or take calls they must be hands-free, must use only pre-programmed numbers and must be short and simple conversations. Drivers, employers and callers must take this seriously."

Peter Rodger, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ chief examiner said, "Inevitably some drivers will think that they should buy a hands-free kit and the problem will go away.

"That would certainly suit the manufacturers. But drivers should be aware that they are potentially buying trouble - even when you are hands-free, research has shown that you are four times more likely to crash because your concentration is split.

"The best advice is to switch off before you drive off - and if you really can’t do that, be prepared to stop and find somewhere legal and convenient to return that missed call or check your messages."

Inspector Richard Pryce, from Devon and Cornwall Police’s traffic department said, "It is unacceptable for anyone to drive a vehicle on a road while using a hand-held mobile phone.

"We will be robustly enforcing the new legislation and anyone who is caught using a hand-held phone while driving will be dealt with accordingly. With penalty points now being applied for the offence, you could lose your licence."
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