RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

November 12, 2001
COMMONS CALL TO BAN USE OF MOBILE PHONES WHILE DRIVING

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today welcomed news that a bid is to be made in the House of Commons to prevent motorists from using mobile phones while driving.

Janet Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, will introduce a Private Members Bill on Wednesday (November 14) calling for a ban on drivers using hand-held phones while at the wheel.

RoSPA says that research indicates that using a mobile phone on the move, whether hand-held or hands-free, increases the likelihood of a driver having an accident.

The Society believes a specific offence is needed to make it crystal clear to motorists that they should not use a mobile while driving.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “We are delighted that Janet Anderson is proposing that a driver should not be able to make or a receive a call on a hand-held phone while on the move.

“RoSPA knows of at least 17 deaths on Britain’s roads where mobile phones have been implicated, but we believe there could have been many more. Indeed, it is likely that thousands of accidents have taken place because of mobiles, but they do not appear in official statistics.

“Police have used a variety of offences to take action against mobile phone drivers, but the evidence of our own eyes shows motorists are still ignoring the safety advice, or are confused by the current laws. A specific offence would clarify the law for everyone and would mean they have no excuse for doing it.

“Janet Anderson is voicing the concerns of the majority of people, and we hope other MPs give her their support in her attempt to make our roads safer.

“The only safe way for drivers to use a mobile in a vehicle is when they have stopped in a safe place.”