Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander commented:
"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile.
"We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27th of February, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of three points on your licence as well as a £60 fine."
2004 enforcement figures of fixed penalty notices for using a hand held phone while driving show there were:
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978 issued in Derbyshire
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759 in Leicestershire
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1529 in Lincolnshire
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297 in Northamptonshire
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653 in Nottinghamshire
A campaign to raise awareness of the new fixed penalty begins on the 22nd of January 2007 and will include radio, press and online activity raising awareness of both the change in penalties and the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This educational approach goes hand in hand with continued enforcement activity by the police. Home Office figures for 2004 show that nearly 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.
Department for Transport (DfT) continues to work closely with private partners, including the mobile phone industry, to ensure mobile phone users are made aware of the changes and how it affects them.
