The Government has pledged to take forward, as a matter of
urgency, work to review the offence of driving with a handheld
mobile device.
The news is revealed in today’s Government’s Response to
the Committee’s Report on Road Safety: Driving while
using a mobile phone, first published in August.
Using a hand-held mobile device while driving must ‘reflect
the real world’ where smart phones or devices are not just used
for phone calls and texting but also scrolling playlists, taking
photos or drafting emails, says the Response.
Ministers have ruled out extending the ban to driving with
hands-free options, but the Department for Transport sets out
actions it will take to deter people from using these devices
while driving. This includes seeking views on the use of
hands-free phones as part of the upcoming review of road traffic
policing, considering amendments to the Highway Code and
inclusion in road safety campaign activity.
The Government will refocus efforts to help police and
Crown Prosecution Service take effective enforcement action
against offenders but the penalties, upgraded two years ago to a
£200 fixed penalty and six penalty points, are unlikely to
change.
Any change to the law would be open to consultation but
ministers expect to have proposals in place by Spring
2020.
Chair of the Committee, , said:
“The Government’s decision to accept our recommendation to
tighten up the law around the use of handheld mobile phones while
driving is great news. The difference between interactive
communications and standalone functions on our phones is a
loophole that has prevented police from prosecuting drivers who
continue to use their phones behind the wheel and put themselves
and other road users at risk.
“Our evidence showed that the risk from hands-free devices
is just as real. While we’re pleased that ministers will
prioritise work on handheld mobiles, this issue still needs to be
addressed. We’d like the Department to keep us informed of their
work to examine the risks of hands-free use and the wider context
of education and enforcement.
“The Department’s thoughtful response to our report
demonstrates a willingness to engage with the Committee on issues
of concern to the public. It pulls together several initiatives
it has recently announced and work with other groups such as the
public, local government and devolved administrations. I am
pleased that the scrutiny work of our Cross-Party Committee is
having an impact and helping to improve safety on our
roads.”
Further information:
The
report’s key recommendations were that the
Government:
-
Redefine the offence of driving while using a mobile
phone or other device so that it covers all hand-held
usage.
-
Explore options for extending the ban on driving while
using a hand-held mobile phone or other device to hands-free
devices.
-
Engage with police forces and Police and Crime
Commissioners to explore options for improving the enforcement
of this offence.
-
Set out a plan for devising and implementing a public
education campaign about the risks of using a mobile phone
while driving and the penalties for being caught doing
so.
