Giant mobiles quiz drivers on new law

Date published: 03/04/2007

Drivers will be quizzed by giant mobile phones on Wednesday 4 April to find out what they know about the new law on using a mobile while driving.

Penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving were increased in February.  People illegally using a mobile now face three penalty points on their licence and a £60 on-the-spot fine.

Road Safety Officers from the Council dressed as giant mobile phones will be surveying Rochdale town centre shoppers to find out what they know about the new law as well as explaining the penalties people face.

"In the last month over 800 drivers in Greater Manchester have had to pay fines and got licence penalty points. We are worried that the message is not getting through so we want to find out what drivers know about the new law," said Stuart Howarth, Road Safety Officer for the Impact Partnership, which provides services to the Council.

Research has shown that drivers using a hand-held phone are much more likely to crash because their reaction time is 50% worse than normal.

"Driving a car and not giving it your total concentration is one of the most dangerous things you can do," said Mr Howarth.

"The government's advice is to turn your phone off and take a call only when the car is stationary and the engine turned off. If you feel this is something you can't do, then get a hands-free kit or Bluetooth set. Even this is distracting but it is certainly a better and a legal alternative to holding your phone."

Shoppers who take part in the survey will be entered into a prize draw for £25 Car Phone Warehouse vouchers.

As part of the Council's road safety campaign work, all Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing vehicles are carrying posters on the back to remind local residents of the dangers of using a hand-held phone.