The penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving increases from the end of February.
Drivers caught using a hand-held mobile will now receive three penalty points and a £60 fixed penalty fine.
The fine could rise to £2500 if taken to court.
The new penalties are part of the Road Safety Bill, which is designed to make roads safer.
“We are introducing penalty points and a bigger £60 fine for those who insist on selfishly endangering the lives of others by using a hand-held mobile at the wheel,” commented Dr Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister.
However, speaking on a hands-free unit remains legal. Manufacturers offer Bluetooth hands-free options for new cars, including Honda, and there are several aftermarket kits.
So what, for example, is available to keep staff lawful?
- You can pay nothing – Honda has its Hands Free Telephone available as a free upgrade on the Accord
- Car Parts Direct has a Rossini Chat2U-ICU hands free kit that simply clips onto the sun visor for £79.95
- Halfords is offering the Parrot CK3000 Evolution for £99.99 including free fitting
However, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warns that using any phone while driving is distracting. RoSPA says drivers are four times more likely to crash when talking on the phone, hands-free or not.
RoSPA suggests small businesses should ensure mobile phone use is part of their health and safety policy.
“Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive makes it clear that employers have a duty under health and safety law to manage the risks faced by their employees on the road,” commented Kevin Clinton, head of road safety, RoSPA.
“And one of the biggest risks they face is when using mobile phones while at the wheel.”
Further guidance on mobile phone use can be found at the government’s Think! website www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk.
New law part of employers’ health and safety responsibility
