Motorists using mobiles face double penalties

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced new tough measures for people caught using their mobile phones whilst driving.

Motorists using a phone while driving will now receive six points on their licence and a £200 fine, which is an increase on the previous three points and £100 penalty. Motorists caught using their mobile twice or accruing 12 points on their licence will face magistrates’ court, being disqualified and fines of up to £1,000.

Furthermore, new drivers, qualified as those driving within two years of passing their test, risk having their licence revoked and lorry or bus drivers can be suspended if caught.

Extra patrols and an increased focus on cracking down on people using their phones while driving will take place in the first week of March, as police partake in a week’s enforcement - similar to that which ran from 23-29 January and saw approximately 3,600 drivers handed penalties.

Grayling said: “Our message is simple and clear: do not get distracted by your mobile phone while driving. It may seem innocent, but holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to yourself and other road users.

“Doubling penalties will act as a strong deterrent to motorists tempted to pick up their phone while driving and will also mean repeat offenders could find themselves banned from our roads if they are caught twice. Everyone has a part to play in encouraging their family and friends not to use their phones while driving – it is as inexcusable as drink driving.”

Edmund King, president of the AA, added: “Too many drivers are addicted to their phones. Half of young drivers can’t bear to turn them off in the car. If they don’t switch off their phones they could lose their licence with the new six penalty points.

“We need to break this addiction and the best way is for drivers to go cold turkey – turn off the phone and put it in the glove box.”