With higher penalties in force if caught using a mobile phone when driving from the 27th February, local communications company Grapevine say that the overriding best practice for businesses is simple - employers and staff need to turn their handset off if behind the wheel.
The fixed penalty will soon include three penalty points, along with a doubling of the fine to £60. This is in response to Department of Transport research indicating that although there is strong support for the original law, 21 per cent of drivers have admitted to breaking it. Bus, coach and heavy goods vehicle drivers can also face a maximum fine of £2,500, while it is crucial for employers to realise that under the Law, the organisation can be prosecuted if they require their employees to make or receive mobile calls whilst driving.
Grapevine's Installations Manager, Donna Fletcher, comments: "We welcome the legislation as it has been increased for a reason. Now the penalty points could contribute towards a driving bans, and they can also mean higher insurance costs. Employers need to be aware of the risks and punishments and make sure guidelines are in place so that their employers adhere to the Law."
Ms Fletcher has provided the following advice for organisations to follow:
o If employees have to be reached whilst driving, invest in a fully fitted hands free kit for the vehicle/s
o Endeavour to halt the journey to make and receive mobile calls, but only when it is safe and legal to do so, in appropriate places
o However, the legislation also applies to drivers using hands free equipment if they are distracted and deemed not in proper control of the vehicle
o Regardless if hands free equipment is used, reaction times are reduced by 50% compared to those when driving normally without distraction
o The Laws apply if a vehicle's engine is running, even in traffic queues
o Given the distractions, advise users to leave a suitable voicemail message informing that calls will be returned when appropriate, once travel has been completed, and then turn the device off completely
o Issue a company policy on the use of mobiles in vehicles to inform staff of the rules and regulations
o There are exceptions to the Law when there is a genuine emergency, as drivers can dial the emergency services, but only if appropriate and safe to do so. The use of two-way radios does not fall under this legislation.
o If you contact someone and are aware that they are driving, arrange to speak to them later and terminate the call.
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