Drivers caught using a mobile phone at the wheel face a tougher penalty from March 1.
This change will have a significant impact on young drivers in particular as they risk having their driving licence revoked following a first offence. Motorists will no longer be offered the opportunity to go on a driver awareness course.A campaign this week (Jan 23-Jan 29) to raise awareness of the change to legislation launched seven days after a lorry driver on a mobile caused a crash on the A17 at Holbeach which put four people in hospital.
This campaign is mainly on education. A second one in March which will focus more heavily on enforcement.
It has been illegal to use a mobile phone, held in the hand, whilst driving or while stopped with the engine on since December 2003.
Ch Insp Mark Garthwaite, lead for roads policing within East Midlands Operational Support Service, said: “We want to draw attention to the risks drivers are taking by using their mobile phone while driving. What is concerning is that drivers aren’t just making a phone call they are texting and using the internet as well when they should be concentrating on the road.”
Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership spokesman John Siddle said: “The offence of using a mobile phone whilst driving has long been in place yet some drivers feel their call is more important than the safety of other road users.
“Drivers behaving this way are often in the news when tragedy strikes and families are affected but drivers still believe it will not happen to them until it does.
“It is hoped that the new penalties, of six points and £200, will deter those drivers who put so much at risk.”
