Skip to main content area
Working in partnership for the people of Herefordshire
Main Content Area
Drivers caught using mobile phones while behind the wheel face fines of up to £2,500 under new laws which come into force on December 1, 2003.
The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any type of phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment in some cases.
For the Employer the new law will include an offence of "causing or permitting" a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving during work hours.
Ann Mann, Herefordshire Council’s Road Safety Officer, said: " It’s very difficult to concentrate completely on the road if you are having a telephone conversation.
“People may say what is the difference between talking on the phone and talking to a passenger? Well it’s simple really, the passenger can see the road ahead and they appreciate the driving conditions and would just shut up if there were a problem.
"Employers need to be aware that the Health & Safety Executive makes it clear that employers have a duty under health and safety law to manage the risks faced by their employees on the road.
“One of the biggest risks they face is when using mobile phones while driving."
“Drivers are advised to make sure phones are switched off before driving off and to make use of the voicemail, a message service or call diversion.
“Only use your mobile phone after you have stopped in a safe place and your vehicle's engine is turned off.”
Drivers caught breaking the new law face a £30 fine. This can be increased to a maximum fine of £1,000 ( £2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses or coaches) if the matter goes to court.
REMEMBER NO MOBILE WHEN MOBILE!
Missing a call won't kill you
Drivers caught using mobile phones while behind the wheel face fines of up to £2,500 under new laws which come into force on December 1, 2003.
The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any type of phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment in some cases.
For the Employer the new law will include an offence of "causing or permitting" a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving during work hours.
Ann Mann, Herefordshire Council’s Road Safety Officer, said: " It’s very difficult to concentrate completely on the road if you are having a telephone conversation.
“People may say what is the difference between talking on the phone and talking to a passenger? Well it’s simple really, the passenger can see the road ahead and they appreciate the driving conditions and would just shut up if there were a problem.
"Employers need to be aware that the Health & Safety Executive makes it clear that employers have a duty under health and safety law to manage the risks faced by their employees on the road.
“One of the biggest risks they face is when using mobile phones while driving."
“Drivers are advised to make sure phones are switched off before driving off and to make use of the voicemail, a message service or call diversion.
“Only use your mobile phone after you have stopped in a safe place and your vehicle's engine is turned off.”
Drivers caught breaking the new law face a £30 fine. This can be increased to a maximum fine of £1,000 ( £2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries, buses or coaches) if the matter goes to court.
REMEMBER NO MOBILE WHEN MOBILE!