Penalties doubled for motorists using handheld devices
From today, motorists face double the penalties both in points and in fines if they are caught using phones or other handheld devices while driving, in what the government said it hoped would act as a strong deterrent.
Drivers can have their licence revoked if they accrue six points within two years of passing their test. Those caught using their mobile twice, or who accrue 12 points on their licence, will face magistrates’ court, disqualification and fines of up to £1,000.
Twenty-two people were killed and 99 seriously injured in road accidents where drivers were using a mobile phone last year in Britain.
The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, said: “Our message is simple and clear: do not get distracted by your mobile phone while driving. It may seem innocent, but holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to yourself and other road users.
“Everyone has a part to play in encouraging their family and friends not to use their phones while driving – it is as inexcusable as drink driving.”
