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Stricter rules on mobile phone use while driving expected next year
The Department for Transport’s (DfT) recent announcement that laws surrounding the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving will be strengthened, is expected to come into force next year.
As well as prohibiting making or receiving voice calls, and reading or sending text messages, the stricter rules will apply to any use of hand-held mobile phones, including taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists and playing games. The rules will also apply to phone use at traffic lights or in stationary or slow-moving traffic.
From 2022, police will be able to prosecute drivers using a hand-held device while driving and issue them with a £200 fixed penalty and six points on their licence.
However, drivers will still be able to continue using a device ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat nav, if it is secured in a cradle.
“Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held,” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP, “By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users.”
James Firth, Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, Logistics UK, said: “Road freight operators already have to comply with a higher standard of road safety laws via the operator licensing system. While we applaud the government’s drive to increase safety among all road users with these stricter rules on mobile phone usage, we are pleased that it has accepted that reasonable exemptions to these rules will be considered, including for operators in the utilities and emergency services sectors.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns/road-safety
Published On: 02/12/2021 16:00:26
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