The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that driving while using a handheld mobile phone will become an offence from 1 December 2003.
Offenders will be subject to a 拢30 fine, which may be increased to 拢1000 if the matter goes to court.

The ECA has suggested the following amendment to company health and safety rules: 鈥淭he use of handheld mobile phones (whether listening, speaking or texting) while driving is an offence. As such, handheld mobile phones should not be used while driving. Instead, handheld phones should only be used when the vehicle is safely stopped. Employees should also reduce conversations on hands-free phones to a minimum, and again, look to stop is a safe place whenever reasonably practicable.鈥�

However, the ECA would remind readers that the DfT views the use of hands-free phones as risky and would urge tough restrictions on this type of phone too.

For more information go to www.roads.dft.gov.uk/consult/mobiles/index.htm.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor