Rules Tightened Around Mobile Phone Use Behind the Wheel

From this week, the laws around mobile phone usage behind the wheel have been toughened up to deter offenders.

Drivers previously faced a maximum of three points on their licence and a £100 fine for using a handheld device for actions that didn’t involve telecommunication. These include scrolling music playlists or taking photos and videos. Now, thanks to the change in the law, almost any use of a handheld phone while driving will incur six points and a £200 fine.

According to an RAC study of 2,000 drivers, 75% were fully supportive of the change in law, but only 2% thought it would be ‘very effective’, with 45% thinking it won’t be effective.

Jason Wakeford, Head of Campaigns for Brake, said: “Until now, the law has simply not kept pace with the way in which we use smartphones, so the closing of this dangerous loophole is very welcome.

“Figures show that using a mobile phone at the wheel makes reaction times even slower than when driving under the influence of alcohol, so it’s vital that we always give the road our full attention.

“The temptation of looking at a phone can never be worth someone’s life.”

Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “It’s arguable that it will only truly be effective if it’s rigorously enforced.

“If some drivers still don’t feel they’re likely to be caught, then simply making the law tougher isn’t going to have the desired effect of making our roads safer.

“The dial really needs to be turned up when it comes to enforcement.”

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