Wednesday, 01 March 2017

Drivers face tougher phone penalties

The government has introduced today tougher penalties for those caught using mobile phones when driving. Points on a driving licence have doubled, from three to six and the penalty fine has increased from £100, to £200.

The move has been generally welcomed by road safety charity, Brake, but it warns that the fine is still too low, and it remains concerned about the police having enough resources to enforce the new law.

Gary Rae, campaigns director for Brake, said, 'The increase in the points is very welcome. However, when you realise that you can be fined £1,000 for not having a TV licence, then the £200 fine for illegally using a mobile looks woefully inadequate.

'We're also very concerned about the ever dwindling number of roads traffic police. Their numbers have fallen by almost a third since 2010. There are now approximately 3,700 specialist traffic officers in England and Wales. We want the UK government to look again at this, and make roads policing a national priority.'