MOTORISTS who drive while using mobile ‘phones will soon face double the penalty under new legislation.
Police at Warrington are warning drivers of the dangers of using a handheld mobile device while driving – and the consequences they will face ahead of new legislation to be introduced in March.
Throughout this week officers will be taking part in a national operation targeting those motorists intent on breaking the law by driving while using a handheld mobile device.
The new law means that anyone who is caught will receive six penalty points and a £200 fine. Currently, the penalty is three penalty points and a £100 fine.
The new legislation also means offending drivers will no longer be offered the opportunity to complete the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) training course as an alternative to receiving points on their license.
However, the biggest impact of the new legislation will be felt among the newest motorists, as young drivers and those who have passed their tests within the past two years will now be at risk of having their driving license revoked following their first offence.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, from the Cheshire’s Roads Policing Team, said: “As a senior investigator, I have dealt with many serious and fatal collisions, and in recent years I’ve found that increasingly more of these incidents have involved mobile phones.
“Motorists are four times more likely to crash if using a mobile phone while driving. Using a handheld mobile device can make drivers less aware of what is happening on the road – they could fail to see road signs, react more slowly and take longer to brake.
“It is vital that we educate motorists on the dangers of driving while using a handheld mobile device, and the impact this new legislation will have on those who continue to flout the law.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Driving distracted should be seen as socially unacceptable as drink driving and road safety is one of my policing priorities.
“I am really pleased to see the work that the roads policing team is undertaking to help make Cheshire’s roads safer.”
Double trouble if you’re caught driving with a mobile
44 Comments
4 Comments
What about drivers who shave, apply make up, or even have their breakfast whilst driving? They and the phone/drivers are just as likely to be distracted?
Maybe so, Positron, but I don’t think shaving, etc., while driving has reached the epidemic proportions of using a mobile while driving. I really am beginning to think the mobile phone is the worst thing technology has brought us. It seems to have reduced most people to the level of idiots with nothing to do with their lives but engage in mindless chatter with other idiots with nothing to do.
Ageed completely. My point was made because like their use of mobile phones, many amongst us seem to mistakenly think they can safely drive cars whilst multi tasking.
The mobile phone seems to have finally validated determinism.
An automatic 12 month ban with no excuses accepted would start to make a difference. Points and a fine are not enough i’m afraid.