DfT plans mobile legislation publicity campaign

The DfT is planning an advertising and publicity campaign to promote proposed new legislation being introduced on 1 December banning the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving.

Under the legislation offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum of £1000 - £2,500 for drivers of lorries and buses - if the matter goes to court. Employers may also be prosecuted if they require their employees to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Drivers using hands-free devices also risk prosecution if they fail to maintain proper control of their vehicle or drive carelessly or dangerously.

The primary purpose of the campaign, which will target 24-44 year old drivers, is to publicise the proposed new legislation, though it will also reinforce safety messages regarding the use of all types of mobiles while driving.

Further information about this campaign can be found in the members’ section of this website under ‘DfT Communications’. The members’ section is password protected – LARSOA members can obtain the password from secretary Brian Hogarth, bhogarth@bun.com