§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to meet the Association of Chief Police Officers, or any other relevant organisation, to discuss the safety implications of the use of hand-held car telephones in moving vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeI shall take the opportunity of a meeting I shall be having with ACPO on 17 December to raise this issue.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has issued any guidance to the police authorities concerning the safety implications of using hand-held car telephones in moving vehicles.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information directed to the public his Department has published on the safety implications of the use of hand-held car telephones in moving vehicles.
§ Mr. ChopeAdvice to drivers not to use a hand-held microphone or telephone while the vehicle is moving is given in the Highway Code and several other publications.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received expressing concern at the use of hand-held car telephones in moving vehicles.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to require suppliers of hand-held car telephones to issue safety warnings at the time of purchase concerning their use in moving vehicles.
§ Mr. ChopeNo. British Telecom already issues advice to purchasers which is consistent with the Highway Code. Officials have written to Oftel about continued publicity.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce legislation restricting the use of hand-held car telephones in moving vehicles.
§ Mr. ChopeNo specific legislation is necessary. Drivers are already required to maintain full control over their vehicles.