The Guardian
Persistent offenders will be given four penalty points under proposals
The government is targeting repeat offenders. Photograph: Ian Waldie/Getty Image
Motorists who use handheld mobile phones while driving are to face increased penalties and higher fines under proposals from the Department for Transport.
As part of the government’s Road Safety Plan, to be published this week, the fixed penalty notice for dangerous mobile use will rise to £150 from £100, while persistent offenders will face having four penalty points imposed instead of three. The proposals are targeted particularly at reoffenders and most first-time offenders will be offered an educational course in an effort to improve their behaviour.
Offenders who are drivers of heavy goods vehicles, which can cause more severe accidents, will have their penalty points double from three to six.
In 2014, mobile phone usage was a contributing factor in 21 fatal road accidents and 84 serious accidents. The government will instigate a consultation on its proposals in the new year.
Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, said: “We have some of the safest roads in Europe, but we are always looking for ways to improve that record. Using a mobile phone at the wheel is reckless and costs lives – I want to see it become a social taboo like not wearing a seatbelt. We will take action to tackle this persistent problem, with an emphasis on the most serious offenders. The message is clear: keep your hands on the wheel, not your phone. If you keep taking calls while at the wheel, you could end up being banned from the road. The government is committed to improving road safety.”
Edmund King, the president of the AA, said: “This epidemic of handheld mobile phone use while driving has already cost lives. Three-quarters of drivers see others using mobile phones on some or most journeys, with one-quarter seeing it on every journey, according to our polls. The majority of drivers will welcome these increased fines and penalty points, alongside driver improvement courses, to tackle those who use hand held mobiles at the wheel.”
Suzette Davenport, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said: “We fully support this crackdown on dangerous drivers. Drivers must continue to be aware not only of the risks posed by being distracted by mobile phones while in control of a car, but the serious penalties which they will face if they are caught. We are unequivocal in our determination to keep all road users safe.”
