Penalty fee increase for using a mobile phone behind the wheel
Alarming news has just been announced for those who just can't resist the temptation to text or talk on mobile phones whilst driving. Be advised that under new plans revealed by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, the penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel is set to increase from £60 to £90. In a move to crack down on dangerous driving, Patrick McLoughlin indicated that fines for a variety of offences would rise by 50%, although, the number of penalty points offenders receive on their licence will remain at three.
The additional offenses to incur a £90 fine and three point penalties will now include a number of careless driving offences, including cutting up other drivers, eating a sandwich or lighting a cigarette at the wheel, driving at an inappropriate speed and needlessly hogging the middle lane on a motorway.
Mr McLoughlin said, "We want to send a clear message to dangerous drivers: If you continue to show complete disregard for the safety of other road users, we will catch you - and we will punish you."
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "With both texting and hand-held use of mobile phones at the wheel causing more impairment than being at the drink-drive limit or under the influence of cannabis, the police need to target the large number of motorists continuing to flout the law."
Making or receiving calls in your van while on the road can be difficult or possibly dangerous. And of course it's illegal if using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. For your safety, that of any passengers, and other motorists on the road, you should always use a hands free set or other device which leaves you in total control of the van if you simply must use your mobile. When the use of a phone in your van is necessary or unavoidable, there are several kits and hands free options now available to assist. I haven't used one myself, so I can't recommend a specific one, but do make sure to do a bit of research to find the right one for your mobile needs.
The additional offenses to incur a £90 fine and three point penalties will now include a number of careless driving offences, including cutting up other drivers, eating a sandwich or lighting a cigarette at the wheel, driving at an inappropriate speed and needlessly hogging the middle lane on a motorway.
Mr McLoughlin said, "We want to send a clear message to dangerous drivers: If you continue to show complete disregard for the safety of other road users, we will catch you - and we will punish you."
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "With both texting and hand-held use of mobile phones at the wheel causing more impairment than being at the drink-drive limit or under the influence of cannabis, the police need to target the large number of motorists continuing to flout the law."
Making or receiving calls in your van while on the road can be difficult or possibly dangerous. And of course it's illegal if using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. For your safety, that of any passengers, and other motorists on the road, you should always use a hands free set or other device which leaves you in total control of the van if you simply must use your mobile. When the use of a phone in your van is necessary or unavoidable, there are several kits and hands free options now available to assist. I haven't used one myself, so I can't recommend a specific one, but do make sure to do a bit of research to find the right one for your mobile needs.
Comments
Post a Comment