Feb 27 2007
The new increased penalties for mobile phone use while driving, that come into force today, will prevent accidents and save lives, says the British Medical Association.
From today, anyone in England and Wales who uses a hand-held mobile phone while driving faces a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence. Drivers must be aware that using any mobile phone, even if it is hands-free, is a distraction while driving. Any driver found not to be in proper control of their vehicle while using a hands-free device can already be prosecuted and penalties range from fines to potentially having your licence taken away.
The BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said today:
"The BMA's report on mobile phones in 2001 warned about the dangers of using any mobile phone while driving and we urged drivers not to use them. We are very pleased to see that the Government has taken what we have said on board and we are fully behind their campaign, ‘Dying to take the call'. Drivers must get into the habit of switching off before they set off on their journey.
She added: "There is also a responsibility on employers not to call their staff if they know they are driving and not to pressurise their staff to keep their mobiles on."