§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the adequacy of police powers to take action against drivers using mobile phones whilst driving. [6228]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Government and the Association of Chief Police Officers consider that existing powers in road traffic legislation enable the police to deal properly with enforcement issues arising from the use of mobile phones when driving.
Under regulation 104 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, the police can prosecute or issue fixed penalty notices to drivers who do not exercise proper control of their vehicles. Use of a mobile phone when driving can also result in prosecution for the offence of careless and inconsiderate driving or dangerous driving.
The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is considering measures to raise drivers awareness of the danger associated with using mobile phones.