Use Of Handheld Mobile Phones Whilst Driving

[Electrochem]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35141387

Good to see that they are considering increasing the penalties. Not enough in my view. Should be a £250 fine and six points in the first instance, rising to a £500 fine for subsequent offences. I almost had someone go into the back of me yesterday - she was texting and it was very obvious. How about setting up roadside cameras to catch the offenders?

[Electrochem]

Your link may apply to Speed Cameras paddywhack, but I doubt it applies to other types of kit. The sooner we get a grip on people using handhelds the better.

[MantaRay]

I can't believe how many people are still quite blatantly using their phones while at the wheel and continuing to drive past suitable parking places, lay-by's, etc.

[retrocop]

Not long after my earlier post I went out to do some shopping. I had not driven more than 150yds off my drive and saw white van man driving towards me with mobile firmly held to ear. I immediately thought of this OP and quietly said "There goes another one"

[retrocop]

http://i63.tinypic.com/wp73s.jpg

[paddywak]

I agree Electrochem,but it does illustrate that the police can't just do what they want even though they seem to.I must agree with you though about mobile phone usage it seems that you can't drive a couple of miles down the road without seeing some driver using the phone,but what can we do about it?One copper I know openly admits that unless the case is that blatent it tends to get ignored as they can barely handle the "important" cases they've have,let alone things they consider trivial despite the fact that that trivial offence can have a devasting effect on some innocent family.

[mikey4444]

In this day and age there is no excuse whatsoever for not using a hands-free device. My car, a new Fiesta, comes with hands-free included, but you can buy them so cheaply on the 'net if you look. It seems to be especially prominent with vans and lorries.

But texting and driving is sheer madness, and should be punished with the full force that the law allows. I see it all the time when I am out and about.