| |  | | | Nicola Adam | | Associate Editor |
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Good evening, We all know that speaking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is illegal and highly dangerous. But how many drivers have indulged in a spot of idle scrolling through playlists or playing games, while driving? We’ve all seen them.
Up until now it’s provided a slight loophole but now the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced it is planning to strengthen laws from next year to make it easier to prosecute drivers using and holding their phones at the wheel.
Under current UK laws, drivers are banned from texting or making a phone call (other than in an emergency) while using a handheld device.
From 2022, drivers will not be allowed to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games on their phones when driving.
Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
Drivers can still use devices such as sat navs and mobile phones using satellite navigation, but only if they are secured in a cradle. I’m just surprised they didn’t enshrine this in law earlier. Regards, Nicola nicola.adam@jpimedia.co.uk | |
