The ABI has welcomed government plans to make driving while using a hand-held mobile phone a specific offence.
From 1 December 2003 offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum fine of £1000 if the matter goes to court. The government is planning to make it an endorseable offence, so drivers will get three points on their licence each time they are caught.
ABI's Motor Manager Jo Dagustun said: "We are pleased that the government are cracking down on this danger. The ABI has long argued for a specific offence for driving while using a hand -held mobile phone.
"It is right that that the government intends to legislate to make this an endorseable offence. We believe many motorists are unaware just how dangerous this activity is. This offence should leave motorists in no doubt about the dangers involved."
Research has shown that more than one in three motorists (37%) admit to using a mobile phone while driving, despite the fact that this slows down reaction times by nearly 50%.
