It was announced this week that there is set to be a change in the law when it comes to using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Previously, being caught using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel of a vehicle came with a penalty of 3 points and a £100 fine. Victims of many families who have lost loved ones through road traffic collisions have campaigned that the current penalty of just 3 points and £100 fine just isn’t enough of a punishment nor is it a strong deterrent.
After much campaigning by members of the public as well as national media, it looks as though the law will change to double the punishment if a driver is to get caught. The law wants to see using a mobile phone whilst driving as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.
Going forward, being caught twice for the use of a mobile phone could see drivers facing an entire driving ban as accumulating 12 points triggers an automatic ban.
There will also be stronger punishment for young motorists, with those who have less than 2 years experience on the road having their licence revoked after being caught just once.
The RAC has stated that the country has an epidemic of motorists texting, calling and checking emails and social media behind the wheel. Whilst a study by the organisation found a third of drivers had used a handheld phone to call while driving. Half had used their mobile in stationary traffic.
These tougher sanctions are likely to come into force in the first half of next year.
Drivers with 12 points automatically appear in court and can face fines of up to £1,000 and at least a six-month ban.
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