Enforcement Needed To Stop Drivers Using Phones Whilst Driving – CPC Training Courses

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said that better enforcement is required to combat drivers using mobile phones whilst driving is needed before penalties are increased, after proposed changed to the penalties on drivers using phones were announced.

After meeting with its members at Road Freight Council in London yesterday, the FTA said that the use of modern technology and cameras should be able to make sure authorities improve enforcement and provide evidence against anyone who is breaking the law by using their mobile phone whilst driving.

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The new consultation process by the Department for Transport (DfT) outlined the proposed changes to penalties for the offence of using a hand-held mobile device while driving. The announcement outlined consideration by the Government to increase the cost of a fixed penalty notice (FPN) from £100 to £150 for all drivers, and the number of penalty points on a HGV drivers license would increase from three to six.

The FTA had this to say about the proposed changes:
“FTA members have told us that whilst they welcome the increase in sanctions they believe there is a definite need for better enforcement against drivers using mobile phones when behind the wheel.

“We know that many already have a “zero-tolerance” approach to their drivers using a hand held mobile device in their Terms and Conditions of employment, and a single offence would mean the driver losing their job. HGV drivers are also subject to regulation by the Traffic Commissioners and a second offence could lead to a two or three week suspension of their HGV licence.”

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It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. If a driver has 12 penalty points within a three-year period, the could be disqualified by the court for at least six months. A recent study showed that talking on a hand-held mobile can impair driving ability more than when a driver is above the drink-drive limit.

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