No excuses, no phone use while driving

Recent talks regarding the use of mobile phones while driving caused confusion due to the law stating that it was only an offence if caught texting or calling from a hand-held phone while driving but if you were taking photos or changing music etc it wasn’t classed as “interactive communication” and did not fall under the misuse of mobile phone while driving.

The revised legislation will mean that any driver who touches or holds a mobile device while driving regardless of the use of it, such as simply taking hold of the phone while driving will result in prosecution. 

Grant Shapps, transport secretary said: “We recognise that staying in touch with the world while travelling is an essential part of modern day life but we are also committed to making our roads safe. 

“Drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone are hindering their ability to spot hazards and react in time – putting people’s lives at risk.