Mobile
phones & handheld devices
On
1st December 2003, new legislation came into effect which outlaws
the use of mobile phones (except for dialling 999 in a genuine emergency
when it is not safe or practical to stop) or other handheld devices
(such as Personal Digital Assistants) while driving. Under the legislation,
driving includes time spent stationary e.g. at traffic lights. Drivers
who are caught face a £60 penalty plus 3 penalty points, or
if taken to court, a fine of up to £1,000. The use of hands-free
kits is permitted, although a driver using a hands-free phone or one
in a cradle is still potentially subject to prosecution for failure
to have proper control, or for dangerous driving, if involved in an
accident.
Beware
- under this legislation, employers could be held liable and risk
fines of up to £2,500 if they 'cause or permit' employees
to use their mobile phones without a hands-free kit whilst driving.
Action:
ensure staff are aware of the new legislation; purchase hands-free
kits (or ensure staff purchase their own) for those who need to use
the phone for business while on the move. Specify in writing (in a
Policy or other communication to staff) that they must not use a mobile
phone without hands-free while driving, or any other handheld device.
Further
information
Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) guidance about driving
and the use of phones - go
there
Link
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