Police warning to drivers flouting mobile phone law

Date article online: 03/08/2006

Many drivers are still flouting the law when it comes to using their mobile phone whilst driving, and Greater Manchester Police are issuing a warning to those drivers.

During August Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will be carrying out a campaign to drive the message home that it is not only illegal, but also unsafe to use your phone whilst driving. The penalty is a £30 fixed penalty notice. The fine can be increased to a maximum of £1,000 for car drivers, and £2,500 for coach, lorry or bus drivers, if the offence is taken to court.

Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving is more dangerous than being over the UK's legal alcohol limit - even if you are using a hands-free set, because of the adverse effect on concentration and anticipation. Hands free calls are also distracting, and drivers should be aware that they risk prosecution for careless or dangerous driving or failing to have proper control of their vehicle if using a mobile phone affects their driving. You are four times more likely to have an accident if you use a mobile phone while driving, which is a startling reminder of how dangerous the practice is.

Within the Greater Manchester area, 11,527 motorists were prosecuted between April 2005 and February 2006 for using their phone whilst driving, and 18 people prosecuted for using their phone whilst supervising a provisional licence holder.

GMP’s Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts, said:  "The offence of using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving is still being committed by too many motorists. The vast majority of drivers adhere to the law, and it is those drivers that quite rightly complain about the few who will insist on using their phone whilst driving their vehicle. My message to those drivers is simple - we are out to put a stop to this offence, so beware! These drivers put other people in danger as a result of their actions, and we aim to make the roads of Greater Manchester safer."