ROSPA WELCOMES POINTS FOR ''SELFISH'' MOBILE PHONE DRIVERS
23 November 2004 - ROSPA

RoSPA today welcomed news that hand-held mobile phone users who persistently flout the law by taking and making calls while driving face being banned from the road.

The new Road Safety Bill announced in the Queen''s Speech includes plans for people caught using a hand-held mobile at the wheel to be given three penalty points. Fines will be increased from £30 to £60.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: ''Far too many people have been ignoring the law outlawing the use of hand-held phones while driving since it came into force a year ago, but the threat of penalty points will give it new teeth.

''Those who are selfish enough to think their call is more important than someone''s life may be persuaded by the likelihood of a ban if they keep picking up points.

''This particularly applies to people who drive for work, as it could cost them their job.''

Studies have revealed that the use of hand-held phones by motorists has fallen by only 25 per cent since the law came in on December 1, 2003. RoSPA led the campaign for the law and believes tougher police enforcement and more publicity are needed to remind people of the dangers of using phones while driving.

''In New York, a year after a ban on hand-held phones at the wheel was introduced usage had fallen by 50 per cent,'' Kevin Clinton said. ''A year later it was back to pre-law levels.

''Research suggested it was because of lack of education, publicity and enforcement. The law here will not be effective unless it is enforced. Police must take action against drivers they see using mobile phones and they need to run campaigns targeting offenders.''

Research shows that motorists using hand-held or a hands-free phones are four-times more likely to crash because of the distraction of the telephone conversation. They tailgate, wander about on the road and vary their speed.

At least 23 people people have died on Britain''s roads in accidents where mobile phones have been implicated. Some motorists have been jailed because using a mobile has led them to kill someone by dangerous driving.

Drivers who collect 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period are disqualified.

www.rospa.com

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