[dropcap type=”circle”]M[/dropcap]erseyside Police is carrying out a week of action this week starting today to target drivers using their mobile phones and other handheld devices, as part of a national enforcement and awareness campaign.
The campaign is being launched ahead of new legislation expected to be introduced by the Government from the beginning of March, which will mean that the fine for using a mobile device will rise to £200 and the points penalty will be doubled to six. This could result in new drivers losing their licence for committing one offence.
It has been illegal to use a mobile device, held in the hand, whilst driving or stopped with the engine on, since December 2003. However, a significant number of drivers are still using devices behind the wheel, in Merseyside and nationally.
Chief Inspector Tony Jones, head of Matrix Roads Policing, said: “It is important that we highlight the implications of this new legislation now and before anyone finds out the hard way, either through causing an accident, or being caught as part of our increased activity this week. The new laws will particularly hit new drivers. A new driver prosecuted for using their mobile phone will face losing their licence after just one offence, which reflects how seriously we treat all irresponsible and dangerous drivers.
“Merseyside Police is committed to reducing the number of people killed or injured on our roads in 2017 and we are determined to target motorists who flout the law and recklessly endanger lives.
“Modern phones have changed how we communicate and the rise in people using them to make calls, text, access social media, take photos and videos, and even check emails when they should be 100% focussed on the road is a concern. There is never an excuse, and drivers should always pull over to a safe place before using their phone.
“People who ignore this advice present a massive danger to other road users, pedestrians and to themselves and their passengers. They are distracted from the road, their attention and reflexes are impaired, and such behaviour is equal to drink and drug driving, and the non-wearing of seatbelts, for sheer recklessness.
“If you know people who use their phones at the wheel, challenge them, make sure your friends and family do not lose their licence, their job, or cause a serious accident through their behaviour.”
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