 The
Government is to introduce a ban on the use of
hand-held mobile phones whilst driving. From 1
December 2003 this will attract a fine of £30,
which can rise to £1000 (or £2500
for bus/lorry drivers) if the case goes to court.
However, primary legislation is needed before
points can be ‘awarded’ against driving
licences, and this is not planned until 2005.
Use of hands-free phones (including ordinary mobiles
fitted with earpieces) is not specifically banned
but can be cited as evidence of careless driving
if the driver is wandering all over the road!
It will be legal to use any type of phone when
in ‘stationary traffic’, but this
means when stuck in jams rather than waiting at
the lights!
Employers must try to regulate staff behaviour
in respect of calls made or received for work
purposes, as they and the employee could both
face legal action for the consequences in the
event of an incident.
For example, any written systems you may have
in place that require employees to call-in and
take calls as part of their working day when out
of the office should be reviewed to specifically
cover the use of the phone whilst driving.
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A
new lone-worker system from Blue-Chip Technologies
is one of only two approved by the Suzy Lamplugh
Trust. The system, which uses mobile phone technology,
is flexible enough to be used in a wide variety
of situations and can be adapted according to
the extent of the risks faced. 