Fines for using mobile while driving to increase

GingerBob_3

Okay, so the fines are increasing, but get a load of this:


http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-35410646


Quote: "The consultation - which closes on 15 March - will also look at whether technology could be used to dissuade motorists from using their phones when they are behind the wheel.
Some technologies, it says, enable a phone to detect that it is moving faster (often at about 5-6mph) and divert the handset to a "drive safe mode". This prevents it from ringing and in some cases can send a text informing the caller or texter that the recipient is driving."

Later on it's acknowledged this this "could cause problems" - for people on trains, in coaches, passengers in the car :rotfl:
I'll say! Just who are these boneheads who come up with such ideas? Oh yes, a committee of MPs, that will be it. Bloody idiots!

atrixblue.-MFR-.

I reckon an outright ban is the only way to bring the number of people using mobile down on uk roads. It wont deter the hardcore offenders, but at least when they are caught 12month ban £500 Minimum max of £5000.


I see enough idiots using phones, especially sat at lights, and motorways trips.


Tablets also seem to be creeping on the up for use behind the wheel too which is alarming.

EdGasket

Does using the mobile as a SatNAV count as 'using a mobile while driving' as far as a potential fine and points are concerned? Obviously to interact with the mobile, you'd have to pick it up and program where you want to go, change volume, zoom in / out as per a SATNAV so might run the risk of being accused of making a call?

AdrianC

GingerBob wrote: »

I'll say! Just who are these boneheads who come up with such ideas? Oh yes, a committee of MPs, that will be it. Bloody idiots!

Umm, no - politically neutral civil servants.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

EdGasket wrote: »

Does using the mobile as a SatNAV count as 'using a mobile while driving' as far as a potential fine and points are concerned? Obviously to interact with the mobile, you'd have to pick it up and program where you want to go, change volume, zoom in / out as per a SATNAV so might run the risk of being accused of making a call?

3 points £100.00fine


Just don't touch your phone whilst driving- pull over turn engine OFF.

BykerSands

EdGasket wrote: »

Does using the mobile as a SatNAV count as 'using a mobile while driving' as far as a potential fine and points are concerned? Obviously to interact with the mobile, you'd have to pick it up and program where you want to go, change volume, zoom in / out as per a SATNAV so might run the risk of being accused of making a call?

Only if they can show you're not in proper control of the vehicle.

SailorSam

It's Ok increasing the fines but the police don't seem to take a lot of notice of drivers while on the phone

Crabman

I was surprised to be told by a roads policing officer recently that camera vans (speed enforcement) can't be used to enforce against mobile phone use. :doh:

ElefantEd

If they caught a higher proportion of people using mobile phones whilst driving that would solve the problem both more quickly and more fairly. As it is, the chance of getting caught is so low (does anyone have any data on the number of successful prosecutions?) that the punishment isn't really a deterrent (if you decide to do it in spite of it being both unsafe and against the law). But if you knew you would be fined, say, £30 every time you did it you would soon stop.

Car_54

EdGasket wrote: »

Does using the mobile as a SatNAV count as 'using a mobile while driving' as far as a potential fine and points are concerned? Obviously to interact with the mobile, you'd have to pick it up and program where you want to go, change volume, zoom in / out as per a SATNAV so might run the risk of being accused of making a call?

The law prohibits "using", not "making a call", so yes. And quite right too.

Prothet_of_Doom

On the 4 occasions in 20 years I have crashed and which I may have been to blame, I was sober, within the speed limit, not using my phone and there was no mechanical issues with my brakes or steering. And I was taxed, insured and the car was registered in my name.

So in the interests of road safety, I'm going to have to drive a stolen cloned car, with no tax or insurance, defective brakes, bald tyres, whilst rat faced off my skull on drink and drugs, at double the speed limit.

But I promise to never use my phone as Nuns, Kittens and babies will die, even if I question if it's actually that bad. Is it so bad ? Really ?