The government have announced prosecution regulations to be tightened on the use of hand-held mobile phones at the wheel. It is already illegal to call or text on hand-held phones while driving unless it is an emergency. However from next year, drivers will be prohibited from using a device o take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games. 

A public consultation held by the government found that 81% of respondents supported proposals to strengthen the law and make it easier for culprits to be prosecuted. Following the public consultation, the highway code will change making it clear that hand-held phone use at traffic lights or in traffic jams is illegal. 

Police will soon be able to more easily prosecute drivers using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel. This means anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on their licence.

The Department for Transport have also published research carried out by Ipsos Mori about drivers who use mobile phones while driving.

The research explores motorists’ attitudes towards mobile phone use - as well as other driving behaviours and also examined legislative and non-legislative measures to deter mobile phone use while driving. The findings reveals that younger motorists are more likely to have used a handheld device at the wheel.

As road safety week comes to a close, it is important that this road safety decision has been made by government to make our roads safer for all. CIHT welcome the government's decision and with the findings of the DfT research, carried out by Ipsos Mori, we encourage further road safety education for young motorists.