Drivers using mobiles face tougher penalties

Posted :31-01-2007

People driving a car while using a mobile phone are set to face stiffer penalties including bigger fines and possible insurance hikes.

Towards the end of next month, motorists using a hand-held phone or those on a hand! s-free device without having their vehicle under full control could face increased fines of £60 as well as having three penalty points placed on their licence.

In addition, some car insurance providers are warning that speeding convictions could lead to an increase on premiums from between five and seven per cent, while motorists with two convictions could face a rise of up to 21 per cent.

Transport secretary Douglas Alexander said of the new rules: "Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations."

He added that: "It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well."

The Wiltshire Times reported that almost 74,000 fixed penalty notices were sent out three years ago to drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone in the UK.


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