§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to monitor the use of hand-held car phones, following the advice given in the new edition of the highway code;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to make the use of hand-held car phones whilst driving a specific motoring offence.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAdvice on the use of car telephones is in the new edition of the highway code. I have no plans to introduce additional legislation. I prefer to rely on the good sense and responsibility of the vast majority of drivers to put safety first when given clear and sensible advice on how to do so.
380WIt would not be practical to monitor the use of car telephones. We will keep under review any evidence of their implications for road safety.