In their latest move to tackle the issue of distracted driving through mobile phone usage, it has been reported that UK ministers are to arrange an informal meeting with phone manufacturers early next year.
The subject of the talks is about mobile phones and the potential for having ‘safe driving modes’.
With strategies, campaigns and legal changes all being considered by the Government over the problem, minsters firmly believe that the phone manufacturers also have a big part to play.
The idea of the meeting is to persuade the phone companies to employ software that will reduce a smart phone’s functionality when it is being used in a moving vehicle. They are looking towards a ‘drive safe’ mode which is based upon the current ‘flight mode’ that is used on aircraft.
There has been some discussion on even blocking mobile phone signals on Britain’s roads however, it has been recognised that this strategy would have a detrimental impact should there be an emergency.
In 2017, the Government is proposing to introduce tougher sentencing on driver’s mobile offences by increasing the fixed penalty to 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. Newly passed drivers will be required to take a re test as part of their sentence.
It has also been reported that repeat offenders could be fined up to £1,000 and face a driving ban of at least 6 months.
Questions still remain over the implementation of the proposed software. If it is the case that a smart phone automatically goes into ‘drive safe’ mode then it could impact unfairly on passengers within that vehicle. If the ‘drive safe’ mode is purely an opt-in event, then it may well be the case that some drivers will just decide not to enable it.
The Department for Transport is understandably keen to solve the issue as reports of distracted driving and the devastation it can cause are consistently being reported in the press.
A DoT spokesperson stated: “We are determined to crack down on mobile phone use at the wheel. Our plans to double penalties for this serious crime should act as an incredibly strong deterrent.
“We will continue to explore what more can be done to tackle this crime.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
