Mobiles - getting the message across

Three road safety teams used different tactics to publicise the new penalties for illegal use of a hand held mobile phone.

In Peterborough, journalists were invited to test their driving ability with and without a hand held mobile in a controlled situation - to show how hard it is to concentrate on two things at once.

Clair George, RSO said: "Tests show that a driver cannot help being distracted by a phone call or text message. If you are distracted you will not register hazards or react quickly."

Leaflets and posters have been distributed across the city and radio adverts and bus backs are also being used to advise motorists of the new penalties.

In Buckinghamshire, the message, '3 points and £60 fine, switch off b4 U drive' is being displayed on 35 learner cars - to ensure that new drivers are aware of their responsibility to drive safely.  

This initiative is been supported by driving instructors and Wycombe Wanderers footballers Stephan Oaks and Ikechi Anya.

St Helens' Road Safety and Travel Awareness Team publicised the new penalties for using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving by handing out leaflets to members of the public at local Asda and Tesco supermarkets on the day the law changed.