§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received regarding the use of hand-held car telephones whilst driving;
(2) what plans he has to introduce a safety code for the use of car telephones; and if he will incorporate such a code in any revised edition of the highway code;
(3) whether he has received a copy of the mobile communications police and motoring organisations safety code of practice for the use of car phones; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe revised highway code to be published shortly contains new advice on the use of microphones and car telephones. This advice is
Do not use a hand-held microphone or telephone handset while your vehicle is moving, except in an emergency. You should only speak into a fixed, neckslung, or clipped on microphone when it would not distract your attention from the road. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway to answer or make a call, however urgent.As part of the consultation on the proposed amendments to the highway code, some 30 organisations commented on the subject of car telephones. All the comments were taken into account in preparing the new advice.
British Telecom Mobile Communications is currently considering with various interested parties a safety code for the use of its car telephones which amplifies the new highway code advice.