Police Forces throughout the UK are to get tough on drivers who use mobile phones when driving, the new rules from March 2017 will see the minimum fine rise to £200 and more importantly the number of penalty points you receive will increase to six points from the current three points.
A quarter of all accidents are believed to be connected to motorists using their mobile devises whilst driving which is a massive number of accidents that could be avoided this is why the time has come to get tough with those irresponsible motorists who are putting us all at danger.
Inspector Matt Butler, from the Alliance Roads Policing department, said:
“It has been illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving or riding a motorcycle since December 2003. However, many motorists still fail to see that it is not possible to use a phone and be in proper control of a vehicle.
“Whatever the reason for using a mobile device when driving – texting, scanning a newsfeed or streaming video content – it can wait until your journey is over. Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of road users around you.
While enforcement takes place all year round, recent findings underline the importance of campaigns that aim to make using a mobile phone when driving as socially unacceptable as drink or drug driving.
“It is plausible that the percentage of motorists who use their mobile phone at the wheel is even higher than the research suggests, which is why enforcement efforts must be supported by changes in drivers’ attitudes if we are to succeed in keeping our roads safe.”
If you have a clean driving licence but are caught using your mobile devise whilst driving on two separate occasions you will receive a total of twelve points (six for each offence) which will result in you being banned from driving.
Drivers who have recently passed their driving test are at a greater risk if caught using a mobile devise whilst driving as they can have their licence revoked for having six penalty points.
It is the responsibility of all motorist to drive safely within the laws and ensure due care and attention is given to make certain that they do not put themselves or others in danger. If you need to use your mobile devise stop in a safe place, make your call then continue your journey.