§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what road safety campaigns his Department has supported on the issue of driving while talking on mobile phones. [57537]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Highway Code has, for many years, included advice to drivers not to use a mobile phone while driving. In March 1998, newspaper advertising alerted readers to the dangers of killing or injuring yourself or another road user. Leaflets and posters have been made widely available since then. In January 2000, television advertising reminded of the possible tragic consequences of using a mobile phone. We launched new radio advertising this month to demonstrate the distracting effect of using a mobile phone while driving. A public information film for use by TV stations has also been produced, as have new posters, and further publicity is being prepared. We continue to support local campaigns by police forces and local authorities.
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he is planning to introduce a bill prohibiting the use of mobile phones by car drivers. [57293]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Government recognise the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. If drivers cannot be persuaded not to use mobile phones while driving, the Government accept that new legislation may be necessary.